Geraldton-Greenough SES volunteers turn training up a notch, responding to 19 callouts after heavy rain

Geraldton-Greenough State Emergency Service volunteers responded to 19 requests for assistance on Monday night, following a heavy downpour. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Geraldton Airport received 24.2mm of rain in the 24 hours up until 9am on Tuesday, most of which fell late Monday afternoon and evening — including 10mm of rain between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. Local SES manager Ross Jones said majority of requests were from homes in Spalding dealing with minor flooding after heavy rain overwhelmed gutters and ceilings. Householders in Tarcoola Beach and Strathalbyn also required assistance. Mr Jones said it was a scheduled training night for the volunteers, who were able to develop their skills through on-the-job training instead. “We had 18 members deployed out on the field and manning the operations centre,” he said. On Monday night, passengers in cars were in shock after the heavy rain caused minor flash flooding to streets in Bluff Point. A video posted to Facebook shows car parks of businesses on Chapman Road submerged in water. Members of the public needing assistance are asked to contact the command centre landline rather than the SES mobile number. “If anyone requires SES assistance call 13 25 00, not the mobile number, because we don’t get a chance to answer it when we’re busy,” he said. “If people have that 13 25 00 number stuck to their fridge or in their phone book, it makes all the difference.”