One of the damaged homes in Carinda, NSW. Photo: RFNSW
Fire and Rescue NSW have turned to drones to assess the storm damage done to homes at Carinda, near Walgett, last week.
HAZMAT (hazardous materials) crews deployed remotely piloted aircraft (drone) to carry out an aerial survey of the town’s damaged properties; nine homes and four businesses.
FRNSW says the drones proved particularly valuable for inspecting hard-to-access areas such as under eaves, where asbestos was a safety concern.
After identifying asbestos, crews treated affected areas with a bonding agent then provided detailed maps of high-priority locations to the NSW SES.
FRNSW Inspector Chris Cusack says the rapid assessment by the drones saved crucial time, allowed repairs to start sooner and help the community recover.
“Using drones allowed us to quickly assess the extent of the damage from a safer location while providing detailed insights to guide the recovery process,” Inspector Cusack says.
“By completing assessments faster, we’ve been able to provide vital information to the NSW SES much earlier, accelerating the response and ensuring the residents of Carinda can start returning to their normal routines as soon as possible.”
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
The federal and state governments are also helping Walgett Shire Council with the clean-up through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Assistance includes support for immediate needs like emergency accommodation and replacing essential household contents, support for council to help with cleaning up and repairs and help for residents to repair their homes.
A Recovery Assistance Point (RAP) opened today (November 26) at the Carinda Football Ground and runs until Thursday (November 28).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said it has been an incredibly difficult time for the communities and paid tribute to those who responded from surrounding towns to help out.
NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib says the state government will help the council rebuild essential public assets after the severe thunderstorm.
Member for Barwon Roy Butler welcomed the help.
“This assistance from the Australian and state governments is welcome. This community has been hit hard by this storm and will need help to recover.”
