Key Takeaways:
- A severe wind storm caused widespread destruction in the Clutha district, with thousands of trees down and significant damage to farms and properties.
- The storm has resulted in a massive cleanup effort, with logging contractors facing a backlog of work that could take up to two years to complete.
- Many farmers are facing significant financial burdens, with some already cutting their losses due to the extent of the damage.
- The Clutha District Council is providing support to residents, including financial assistance and resources for cleanup and repair efforts.
- The storm has prompted a rethink on emergency preparedness, with the council and rural agencies encouraging residents to be prepared for future events.
Introduction to the Storm’s Impact
The recent wind storm that hit the Clutha district has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with thousands of trees down and significant damage to farms and properties. For farmers like Holly and Todd McCammon, the storm has been a devastating blow, with the pair estimating that they have spent around $25,000 on repairs so far, and expecting to spend much more to fully recover. The scale of the destruction is evident in the sheer number of trees that have fallen, with the McCammons’ farm alone having thousands of trees down. The storm has also highlighted the importance of insurance, with many farmers finding that their policies do not cover fallen trees or damaged fencing.
The Cleanup Effort
The cleanup effort is being led by logging contractors like Mike Hurring, who has already completed work at 25 properties and has a further 87 to go. Hurring is concerned about the safety risks associated with the cleanup, particularly with people taking matters into their own hands and using chainsaws in situations that require heavy machinery and professional crews. He has heard of several close calls, including farmers being flung around paddocks by logs they have cut off, and chainsaws being ripped out of people’s hands. Hurring’s advice is simple: "If you think that something looks dangerous, then it is dangerous." The cleanup effort is expected to take up to two years to complete, with Hurring’s company alone having to deal with 150,000 tonnes of logs.
The Impact on Farmers
The storm has had a significant impact on farmers in the Clutha district, with many facing significant financial burdens. Some, like Simon and Camille McAtamney, have already cut their losses, with thousands of trees down in hard-to-reach areas of their forestry blocks. The McAtamneys have managed to secure a contractor to clear their shelter belts, but are still waiting for fencing repairs. They estimate that it will take a couple of years to fully repair their farm, and are having to stagger their repairs and prioritize their efforts. The storm has been a wake-up call for the McAtamneys, who had previously thought that they lived in a relatively benign climate. They are now recognizing the importance of being prepared for extreme events, and are taking steps to mitigate the risks.
The Council’s Response
The Clutha District Council is providing support to residents affected by the storm, including financial assistance and resources for cleanup and repair efforts. The council’s response manager, Sharon Jenkinson, said that the cost of repairing damaged community amenities had climbed to $991,000, and that it could take months to clear some parks. The council is also looking to boost its supply of generators and battery-operated communications technology, and is encouraging residents to be prepared for future events. To date, 21 people have applied for financial support through the council’s mayoral relief fund, which is still open and taking donations. The council is also working to support the rural community, with a focus on cleanup, fencing, safety, and property damage.
Conclusion and Future Preparations
The wind storm that hit the Clutha district has been a devastating event, with significant destruction and financial burdens for many farmers and residents. The cleanup effort is ongoing, with logging contractors facing a massive task that could take up to two years to complete. The storm has prompted a rethink on emergency preparedness, with the council and rural agencies encouraging residents to be prepared for future events. As the community begins to rebuild and recover, it is clear that the storm will have a lasting impact on the region. The importance of being prepared for extreme events has been highlighted, and residents are taking steps to mitigate the risks and ensure that they are better equipped to deal with future disasters.
