From: Chris Morley (Gippsland Coordinator)
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2019 15:32:33 +1100
Subject: WICEN Members: East Gippsland fires update
Hello all,
Today, the Regional Controller for Gippsland reported that the fires had followed predicted behaviour under the extreme fire weather conditions, and that impact assessment teams would start the process of establishing the extent of the losses, injuries and damage. The fires travelled and spotted large distances and now cover a very sizeable proportion of East Gippsland.
Much infrastructure is damaged or not serviceable, and many communities and firefighters have been isolated.
Whilst the fires are still very active and very much out of control, the immediate focus for recovery will be power, water, comms, roads and transport.
Although WICEN hasn’t been called upon, all members should remain on standby (and not just for Gippsland).
Although the extreme conditions of yesterday have passed, the Regional Controller said that Saturday will be another testing time, and that if this were a football match, we are not even at quarter time yet…..
Please stay in touch for any further updates.
Chris VK3CJK
Gippsland Coordinator
