State government offers residents up to $4,000 assistance after tornado devastation and asbestos alert
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The recent tornado that ripped through Bunbury, Western Australia, has left a trail of destruction, with homes destroyed, lives upended, and the community grappling with the aftermath.
In response to this natural disaster, the WA government has offered financial assistance of up to $4,000 to those most affected.
But as residents navigate this challenging time, they must also heed a critical asbestos alert that could pose a significant health risk.
WA Premier Roger Cook announced the financial aid during a visit to the storm-stricken city, where it's estimated that around 100 buildings suffered damage, and approximately seven homes were rendered uninhabitable.
For those whose homes were destroyed, a $4,000 payment is available to help with the initial expenses. Meanwhile, residents whose homes have sustained ‘severe damage’ can access a $2,000 payment.
‘These are payments put in place to assist people with the immediate costs of the extensive damage that they've received to their homes,’ Cook said.
In addition to the property damage payments, the government is offering extended power outage payments of $120 for residents without electricity for 12 hours or more.
However, amidst the clean-up efforts, a new concern has emerged: the ‘potential presence of asbestos’.
The tornado's destruction scattered debris far and wide, bringing with it the risk of asbestos exposure.
The alert particularly focused on the Hay Park sports area, including the Police and Citizens' Youth Centre (PCYC) and local hockey courts, where the risk is deemed highest.
A hazmat warning encompassed several streets in the suburb of Withers, where residents were advised to steer clear of the hazard area.
‘There is a lot of destruction,’ Cook said.
‘We've got a lot of asbestos on the streets, and we've got specialist teams on the ground as we speak trying to clean that up.’
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson has urged caution to residents in the area.
‘Residents should take appropriate measures before attempting to clean up,’ he said.
‘So they need to wear appropriate personal protection equipment, and they can, of course, call [the Department of Fire and Emergency Services] (DFES) and get assistance.’
The community's resilience in the face of such adversity has been remarkable.
Premier Cook praised the emergency response teams and the locals for their swift action and solidarity.
‘The hearts of the WA community go out to those who have been impacted,’ he said.
‘We've seen a huge response…many people have already got on with fixing their neighbour's roofs and fences, assisting each other with the clean-up.’
Yet, for some residents like Quinn Armstrong, the situation remained dire.
Living in the asbestos hazmat zone, Armstrong has been unable to return home and relying on the generosity of friends and family for shelter.
‘I tried getting home after getting some essentials from the store and was told that I can't go home,’ she said.
‘Had the clothes on my back, and that was pretty much it. I've been house hopping from my friends and family, just trying to find somewhere to sleep.’
As the city works to restore normalcy, with power being reinstated and schools reopening, the personal toll on individuals continues to mount.
Kyle Moore and Breanna Johnson's harrowing experience, where they narrowly escaped injury when their apartment's roof caved in, underscores the tornado's terrifying power.
‘We were just so frightened,’ Moore said.
‘We didn't know if the rest of the roof was going to crumble or not.’
‘I sent myself out underneath the fallen ceiling, against my own better judgment, because our poor cat was there at the time.’
You can watch ABC News’ coverage below:
Credit: ABC News (Australia) / YouTube
As asbestos contamination becomes a growing concern for Australians, it’s important how to stay safe.
In a previous story, experts shared the risks of illness from asbestos, its symptoms, and how to keep safe from exposure. You can read more about their advice here.
Our hearts go out to those who have been impacted by the calamity.
In response to this natural disaster, the WA government has offered financial assistance of up to $4,000 to those most affected.
But as residents navigate this challenging time, they must also heed a critical asbestos alert that could pose a significant health risk.
WA Premier Roger Cook announced the financial aid during a visit to the storm-stricken city, where it's estimated that around 100 buildings suffered damage, and approximately seven homes were rendered uninhabitable.
For those whose homes were destroyed, a $4,000 payment is available to help with the initial expenses. Meanwhile, residents whose homes have sustained ‘severe damage’ can access a $2,000 payment.
The WA government offered up to $4,000 in financial assistance to residents who were affected by the tornado. Credit: ABC News Australia / YouTube
‘These are payments put in place to assist people with the immediate costs of the extensive damage that they've received to their homes,’ Cook said.
In addition to the property damage payments, the government is offering extended power outage payments of $120 for residents without electricity for 12 hours or more.
However, amidst the clean-up efforts, a new concern has emerged: the ‘potential presence of asbestos’.
The tornado's destruction scattered debris far and wide, bringing with it the risk of asbestos exposure.
The alert particularly focused on the Hay Park sports area, including the Police and Citizens' Youth Centre (PCYC) and local hockey courts, where the risk is deemed highest.
A hazmat warning encompassed several streets in the suburb of Withers, where residents were advised to steer clear of the hazard area.
‘There is a lot of destruction,’ Cook said.
‘We've got a lot of asbestos on the streets, and we've got specialist teams on the ground as we speak trying to clean that up.’
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson has urged caution to residents in the area.
‘Residents should take appropriate measures before attempting to clean up,’ he said.
‘So they need to wear appropriate personal protection equipment, and they can, of course, call [the Department of Fire and Emergency Services] (DFES) and get assistance.’
The community's resilience in the face of such adversity has been remarkable.
Premier Cook praised the emergency response teams and the locals for their swift action and solidarity.
‘The hearts of the WA community go out to those who have been impacted,’ he said.
‘We've seen a huge response…many people have already got on with fixing their neighbour's roofs and fences, assisting each other with the clean-up.’
Yet, for some residents like Quinn Armstrong, the situation remained dire.
Living in the asbestos hazmat zone, Armstrong has been unable to return home and relying on the generosity of friends and family for shelter.
‘I tried getting home after getting some essentials from the store and was told that I can't go home,’ she said.
‘Had the clothes on my back, and that was pretty much it. I've been house hopping from my friends and family, just trying to find somewhere to sleep.’
As the city works to restore normalcy, with power being reinstated and schools reopening, the personal toll on individuals continues to mount.
Kyle Moore and Breanna Johnson's harrowing experience, where they narrowly escaped injury when their apartment's roof caved in, underscores the tornado's terrifying power.
‘We were just so frightened,’ Moore said.
‘We didn't know if the rest of the roof was going to crumble or not.’
‘I sent myself out underneath the fallen ceiling, against my own better judgment, because our poor cat was there at the time.’
You can watch ABC News’ coverage below:
Credit: ABC News (Australia) / YouTube
As asbestos contamination becomes a growing concern for Australians, it’s important how to stay safe.
In a previous story, experts shared the risks of illness from asbestos, its symptoms, and how to keep safe from exposure. You can read more about their advice here.
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