MORNINGTON Peninsula residents are being reminded to have their storm water drainage systems checked regularly after last week’s flash flooding clogged systems and deluged properties.
Some residents are again mopping up and drying out homes after up to 48.8mm of rain hit the peninsula overnight on Sunday night (7 January) through to Monday.
Flood warnings were issued for many towns around Victoria, as much of the state was also lashed with wild weather.
Rosebud, Hastings, Mount Eliza and Mount Martha were among the hardest hit on the peninsula, but all areas received significant rainfall.
The State Emergency Service reminded residents to stay alert on the roads, as weakened trees fell in many rural areas across the peninsula.
Weather Bureau records for the rain gauge at HMAS Cerberus, Crib Point, which takes in rainfall for Rosebud and Hastings, showed the total at that site in the 24 hours to 9am Monday 8 January was 31.4mm.
The nearest rain gauge for Mount Eliza and Mount Martha is Frankston, with the rainfall total at that site in the 24 hours to 9am Monday 8 January at 48.8mm.
The SES stations that cover much of the area from Frankston to Sorrento, including Hastings, received 121 requests for assistance, 60 for flood-related damage and 28 for trees down.
One Mount Eliza resident said storm water blockages had caused water to be redirected into the bottom floor of her two-storey house, soaking carpets and belongings.
“The rain was so heavy and so fast that my storm water pipes just couldn’t cope because there was already a build-up of sand and dirt that I didn’t know about,” she said.
“Now it’s costing me thousands to remediate the damage.”
Storm water damage expert Richard Broxham from Squeaky Clean Team carpet cleaners said his company had been called to several jobs across the peninsula.
“Waters damage is often worse than it looks, and can cause mould and wood rot and health problems,” he said.
“As soon as possible you need to eliminate the damp and ensure everything is completely dry or it will become much worse.”
As a general rule, residents are responsible for storm water systems on their property.
Anyone in need of SES assistance should call 132 500, or in an emergency call 000.
First published in the Mornington News – 16 January 2024
