Tasman Holiday Parks, where a 63-year-old woman was found dead after a tree fell on to the cabin she was staying in, is temporarily closed following the incident. Photo: Aidan Briggs
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Wild weather and a fallen tree has claimed the life of a woman and left a man in hospital after the region was pounded by severe wind.
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The extreme winds left a trail of destruction, downing trees and powerlines across NSW and Victoria.
NSW police were called to reports of a tree falling on a cabin at Tasman Holiday Parks on Merool Rd, Moama, about 3.50am on Monday, September 2.
Officers attached to Murray River Police District attended and found the body of a woman, aged 63, in the wreckage.
A man, 63, was treated at the scene by Victorian Ambulance paramedics for injuries to his right hand, and taken to Echuca hospital for further treatment.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Mathoura Rural Fire Brigade removed a fallen tree blocking the Cobb Hwy on Monday morning.
A Tasman Holiday Parks spokesperson said they were devastated by the tragic events at the park, Merool on the Murray, in Moama.
‘’We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of both cabin occupants and our thoughts are with the gentleman currently being treated in hospital,’’ a spokesperson said.
‘’We are also providing immediate support for our team on site who are understandably very distressed by this terrible accident.’’
Loddon Mallee Region Regional Duty Officer Layton Miller said Victoria State Emergency Service received 4066 requests for assistance across the state from Sunday, September 1, to Monday, September 2.
On Monday, the Loddon Mallee region received 109 requests for assistance, with 11 from Kyabram and six from Echuca.
Murray River Council has temporarily closed Horseshoe Lagoon as well as Moama Beach so crews can clean up debris in the area. Photo: Aidan Briggs
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Mr Miller outlined the most common requests for assistance the SES received and highlighted what residents should do to remain safe.
“The number one request for assistance has been tree down traffic hazard followed by tree down restricting access, building damage to single-storey dwellings, building damage internal, external and downed powerlines,” he said.
“It is important that people ensure they’re up-to-date with the VicEmergency’s app and have it downloaded to their devices.”
Mr Miller encouraged people to keep up-to-date with weather on the Bureau of Meteorology, monitor the Victorian State Emergency Service website and prepare their properties by removing and packing up loose objects, so they don’t get blown away in the wind.
“We have seen power outages, and residents can monitor them on the Powercor website,’’ he said.
Fallen tree branches due to strong winds in Moama.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
“During heightened storm activity, decide whether you need to be on the road or whether you can stay at home.”
Powercor reported about 2200 customers without power in its network by 6pm on Monday.
Other emergency services were also kept busy, including Mathoura Rural Fire Brigade with members responding to a fallen tree blocking the Cobb Hwy, 8km north of Mathoura, on Monday morning as well as assisting on scene at Tasman Holiday Parks.
Murray River Council has temporarily closed Moama Beach and Horseshoe Lagoon for the public’s safety and to allow crews to undertake clean-up activities.
Murray River Council has received reports of broken branches in parks and open spaces and debris on roads.
SES crew working on a tree fallen across Mellis St, Kyabram, on Monday, September 2.
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Campaspe Shire Council’s acting chief executive Michael Sharp said residents should remain vigilant in keeping up-to-date and monitoring weather warnings and alerts.
“Campaspe Shire Council’s advice, first and foremost, is to stay informed by monitoring weather warnings and forecasts at the Bureau of Meteorology website and warnings through the VicEmergency app, website and hotline and encourage all residents to take proactive steps to ensure their safety and the safety of their property,“ he said
“We urge residents to be alert to dangerous road conditions when driving, including low visibility, fallen and damaged trees and powerlines, following travel advice of VicEmergency.’’
Although the front has subsided for now, the Bureau of Meteorology is expected to issue more severe weather warnings on Friday, September 6, with strong winds expected.
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