Benalla named the storm hotspot in Victoria

By Georgia Tacey

Nov 15, 2023

Storm capital: Benalla topped the list after being hit by a freak storm event earlier this year. Photo by Simon Ruppert

Benalla has been crowned the top storm hotspot in Victoria by VICSES.

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Recent lists published by VICSES and AAMI ranked the top 10 towns worst affected by storms this past financial year.

Many towns in the Goulburn Valley made the lists, with Benalla, Echuca, Shepparton and Mooroopna making VICSES’s list, while Shepparton, Rochester and Mooroopna made AAMI’s.

Last year saw heavy flooding and storms across the state, with the Goulburn Valley experiencing major flooding.

According to VICSES data, over the past financial year, VICSES volunteers received almost 33,000 requests for assistance across the state, with Benalla being the hardest hit at 207 requests.

VICSES community resilience co-ordinator for north-east Victoria Liz Frazer said Benalla’s position in the top spot was due to the storms from the start of this year.

“We received 110 requests for assistance over that weekend,” she said.

“Some of that storm damage can still be seen today at the church in Carrier St.”

Over half of the total amount of requests for assistance came from the January 14 storm, which wreaked havoc across Benalla.

Ms Frazer also said it was important to stay mindful of storms as we entered into warmer weather.

“The summer season isn’t just about bushfires,” she said.

“It’s important to prepare your property and business for the storm season.”

You can prepare your property for future storms by securing and putting away loose items around your backyard, trimming trees or branches that could fall on to your home or car, and cleaning your gutters, downpipes and drains of leaves and debris.

VICSES chief officer operations Tim Wiebush emphasised the importance of remaining prepared for a summer of wild weather.

“Looking at this data, we know flooding incidents for 2022 to 2023 increased by more than 130 per cent compared to the last financial year; that’s why it’s important for communities to remain vigilant and prepared for all emergencies, particularly as we move into summer and especially if you live in a high-risk area,” he said.

“We know that spring can often see east-coast lows develop and thunderstorms throughout the summer months that can bring isolated heavy rainfall and damaging winds.

“Don’t wait for the emergency to have a plan. It is vital to know your risk and to have a robust plan in place for storms, flash flooding, along with potential bushfires.”