Key Takeaways:
- A severe storm that lasted only minutes has caused extensive damage to farms and properties in the Clutha district, with some farmers facing at least a year’s work to repair and recover.
- The storm has resulted in significant financial losses, with some farmers spending upwards of $25,000 on repairs and others writing off thousands of dollars’ worth of timber.
- The backlog of storm-damaged properties is growing, with logging contractors facing a wait of up to two years to clear fallen trees and debris.
- Farmers are being warned to exercise caution when cleaning up storm damage, with reports of close calls and near-misses involving chainsaws and heavy machinery.
- The Clutha District Council is providing support to affected residents, including financial assistance and labor units to help with cleanup and repair efforts.
Introduction to the Storm’s Impact
A devastating storm that struck the Clutha district on October 23 has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with farmers and property owners facing a long and arduous road to recovery. For Holly and Todd McCammon, the storm’s impact has been particularly severe, with entire shelter belts torn down, kilometers of fencing destroyed, and their driveway blocked. The couple has been working tirelessly to repair the damage, but they estimate that it will take at least a year to get their 220-hectare sheep and beef farm back to normal.
The Scale of the Destruction
The storm’s destruction was not limited to the McCammon’s farm, with many other properties in the area suffering similar damage. Logging contractor Mike Hurring estimates that there are 150,000 tonnes of logs to be cleaned up, with a backlog of 87 properties still waiting for attention. Hurring is concerned about the risks faced by farmers who are taking matters into their own hands, using chainsaws and other equipment to clear debris without proper training or equipment. He has heard reports of close calls and near-misses, and is warning farmers to exercise extreme caution when cleaning up storm damage.
The Financial Burden
The financial burden of the storm is also being felt, with many farmers facing significant losses. The McCammons have already spent $25,000 on repairs, and estimate that they will need to spend at least another $25,000 to get their farm back to normal. Other farmers, such as Simon McAtamney, have already written off thousands of dollars’ worth of timber, with the cost of logging and repairing their properties likely to be very expensive. The Clutha District Council is also facing a significant bill, with the cost of repairing damaged community amenities climbing to $991,000.
The Road to Recovery
Despite the challenges faced by farmers and property owners, there is a sense of resilience and determination in the community. The Clutha District Council is providing support to affected residents, including financial assistance and labor units to help with cleanup and repair efforts. The council is also taking steps to boost its emergency preparedness, including increasing its supply of generators and battery-operated communications technology. For farmers like the McCammons and McAtamneys, the storm has been a wake-up call, highlighting the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events and the need for caution when cleaning up storm damage.
The Community’s Response
The community’s response to the storm has been heartening, with many residents coming together to support each other. The Clutha District Council’s mayoral relief fund has received 21 applications for financial support, and is still open for donations. The council is also working to boost its supply of generators and battery-operated communications technology, and is encouraging farmers to take steps to prepare for future events. As the community looks to the future, there is a sense of hope and determination, with many residents determined to rebuild and recover from the devastating effects of the storm.
