Western Australia | Teen rescued by SES volunteers from cliff near Geraldton
SES Volunteers securing patient in a basket stretcher during a training exercise
Ellendale Pool | 20 Feb 2012
A teenager has been winched to safety after becoming stranded on a cliff at Ellendale Pool near Geraldton.
The State Emergency Service says the boy was climbing up a ledge above the pool on Saturday afternoon when he fell.
Fifteen State Emergency Service Volunteers worked hard to gain access to the boy who was stuck in an unstable area of the cliff and carryout the rescue.
The boy was placed on a stretcher and lowered down to the foot of the cliff before being winched to safety by the rescue helicopter. He sustained minor injuries and was flown to Geraldton Regional Hospital for treatment.
Western Australia | Big drop in ambulance ramping
WA | 16 Feb 2012
- To see daily ramping figures, visit http://www.health.wa.gov.au/emergencyactivity/daily/ramping.cfm
- An ambulance is considered ‘ramped’ if it has been at a hospital emergency department for more than 20 minutes. The patient is taken into the hospital and receives a basic assessment of their condition under the care of paramedics
Western Australia | Emerging psychoactive drug – MDPV – banned in WA
WA | 9 Feb 2012
- MDPV linked to an increase in drug induced casualties in Eastern States’ hospitals
- One man, aged 40, was believed to have died from an overdose in December 2011 in South Australia and a fatal overdose has been reported in Victoria
- MDPV is an alkaloid drug of the phenethylamine class that is structurally related to cathinone or MDMA (often used as an ingredient in ecstasy)
- MDPV has already been banned in the UK, Israel and South Australia. It is a controlled substance in Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Czech Republic
Western Australia | Teenaged girl killed, four other people injured in high-impact RTC in Wagin
Puntaping Rd, Wagin | 6 Feb 2012
Major Crash officers are seeking witnesses to a crash which claimed the life of a 16 year old girl on Saturday. At around 7:30pm, the girl was one of four passengers in a silver Holden Astra, being driven by a 17 year old girl.
The car was travelling south on Puntaping Rd Wagin when it left the road and hit a tree, impacting the rear driver’s side of the car.
The 16 year old girl died as a result of the injuries she received in the crash. The 17 year old female driver and the other three passengers received minor injuries.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or saw the vehicle prior to the crash is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Western Australia | DEC mops up after Carnarvon fire suppression
Carnarvon | 3 Feb 2012
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is wrapping up its biggest firefighting operation in decades after more than a month of battling multiple fires that burned through more than 800,000ha of mostly pastoral land near Carnarvon.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion said in terms of the size and duration of the fires, it was the biggest single suppression campaign DEC had undertaken since the Dwellingup fires of 1961.
The fire was started by lightning on December 27 on the former Mooka pastoral lease near Kennedy Range National Park.
Since then, more than 350 people from DEC, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA); the shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth and Upper Gascoyne; WA Police, Main Roads WA, pastoralists, local volunteer bushfire brigades, SES, Forest Products Commission; the departments of Water, Agriculture and Food, and Child Protection; St John Ambulance and local volunteer organisations have all been involved in the fire response.
“The scale and complexity of this operation has been significant and presented huge challenges,” Mr Marmion said.
“There were 22 separate fires started by lightning over several weeks with plenty of fuel due to abundant grass. In two days (January 19-20) multiple lightning strikes started seven fires.
“On top of this, much of the area was difficult to access, with extensive areas of sand dunes up to 12m high and boggy conditions caused by isolated downpours from thunderstorms.
“In leading a multi-agency team, DEC had tremendous support from other agencies, organisations, volunteers, the community and pastoralists and we thank them for that.
“Although the fires burned through 11 pastoral stations, no homesteads were lost. Unfortunately, all of those pastoralists have been affected by the fires which impacted fences, watering systems, water points and stock feed, and damaged roads and tracks.
“Work has already started on the recovery process. Department of Agriculture and Food officers are assisting pastoral lessees in their assessment of the impact on pastoral infrastructure, livestock and pastures. The department will also support pastoral businesses in planning their recovery from the fires.”
The Minister commended the extraordinary efforts of the fire crews on the frontline.
“The perimeter of the fire complex stretched for 1,250km and crews had to travel huge distances just to get to the fires and where they were working on containment lines,” he said.
“The conditions were extremely draining and people were working long hours in temperatures about 42oC in the shade. Those from the South-West found they had to work in pairs taking turns to do half-hour stints to prevent exhaustion.
“DEC is also very grateful for the support of local companies and contractors that have provided services and facilities such as accommodation, transport and food, as well as volunteers such as the Lions Club, who fed all the firefighters.”
Fact File
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30 machines worked on the fires when they were at their peak, including eight bulldozers, 14 graders and eight loaders, plus equipment from pastoral stations
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550 meals were required per day at the peak of the fires
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On February 1 the fire went into day 37 and shift number 58
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316 people (175 DEC staff from more than 25 DEC centres from Kununurra to Esperance) were deployed in Carnarvon, some doing multiple stints. This figure excludes people based in Perth providing support for the Incident Management Team
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About 150 people were deployed daily across day and night shifts during recent weeks
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FESA provided crews from Bunbury, Albany, Geraldton, Manjimup, Aerial Operations Branch, Northam, Narrogin and Perth
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SES provided crews from Geraldton, Belmont, Kalbarri, Perth and Shark Bay
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Forest Products Commission sent staff from Collie, Gnangara and South-West region
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Bushfire brigades came from Gascoyne River, Gascoyne Junction, Irwin, Geraldton, Mingenew, Waggrakine and Carnarvon
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The cost of the suppression effort is expected to exceed $2million
Western Australia | Prepare for storms in metro Perth area as ex-TC Iggy passes
Perth | 2 Feb 2012
The remains of Cyclone Iggy could unleash destructive 100km/h winds and torrential rain on the southern half of WA as it weakens and crosses the coast north of Perth. At 8am ex-Cyclone Iggy was 390km west-southwest of Geraldton and 560km west-northwest of Perth and moving east-southeast.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for a wide swathe of the southern half from Kalbarri inland to Wongan Hills and south to Narrogin and Harvey. This includes Geraldton, Jurien Bay, Perth, Mandurah and York and surrounding areas. Wind gusts of more than 65km/h were being recorded at Geraldton airport at noon.
“This is unseasonal weather and could cause damage to homes and make travel dangerous,” the Bureau warns. “The remnants of Tropical Cyclone Iggy are expected to produce areas of rain and thunderstorms over western parts of the South West land division during this afternoon and evening and into early Friday morning,” the Bureau warns.
“Heavy rainfall conducive to flash flooding should develop later this afternoon. Damaging winds up to 100km/h that could cause damage to property are possible during this afternoon and evening. SES have warned motorists to take extra care on the roads with heavy rain and strong winds expected this afternoon. Earlier the Bureau said: “Tropical Cyclone Iggy has continued to weaken over the last few hours as it starts to accelerate to the east-southeast.”
“During Thursday the remnants of Iggy will track toward the coast but it is likely that Iggy will weaken below tropical cyclone intensity before reaching the coast. “Tides will be higher than normal along the west coast. Iggy could bring heavy rain
“It is likely that the upper remnants of the system will interact with the mid-latitude trough and contribute to gusty fire weather conditions, strong winds along the west coast, thunderstorms and rainfall in parts of the South West land division,” the Bureau said.
“Most models indicate the heaviest rainfall will occur off the coast, however it is possible that coastal and adjacent parts of the South West south of the low will experience moderate to heavy falls. Iggy is also responsible for the hot, humid conditions in Perth which brought some light rain overnight and a steamy overnight low of 23C at 4.44am.
Perth had 3mm overnight with similar light falls across the metropolitan area. There have been heavier falls in the South West overnight and early today with a large rain band dumping steady rain across the southern capes. By 9am Windy Harbour had 13mm, Cape Naturaliste 8m, Bridgetown 9mm, Bunbury 7mm and Cape Leeuwin 6mm.
Perth forecast for Thursday
A shower or two increasing to rain periods during the late afternoon and evening. Risk of a gusty thunderstorm. Light variable winds becoming moderate to fresh north-east to south-east in the afternoon.
If you require emergency assistance for storm or flood damage call 132 500
Western Australia | Severe fire weather prompts warning
WA | 30 Jan 2012
Western Australia | Tropical Cyclone Iggy now a Cat 2 storm – Watches and Warnings
Western Australia | 28 Jan 2012
TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 14 Issued at 5:54 pm WST on Saturday 28 January 2012 A Cyclone WARNING is current for coastal areas from Mardie to Coral Bay, including Exmouth and Onslow. A Cyclone WATCH is current between Coral Bay to Cape Cuvier and adjacent inland parts of the west Pilbara. At 5:00 pm WST Tropical Cyclone Iggy, Category 2 was estimated to be 425 kilometres west northwest of Exmouth and 470 kilometres northwest of Coral Bay and moving south southwest at 5 kilometres per hour. Tropical Cyclone Iggy is expected to steadily intensify over the next 24 hours. Iggy has been moving slowly south southwest during the day but may move southeast towards the coast overnight and during Sunday before resuming a more southerly track. Gales may develop near the Pilbara coast between Ningaloo and Mardie on Sunday morning including Exmouth and Onslow possibly extending south to Coral Bay late on Sunday. There is the slight risk of destructive winds in excess of 125 kilometres per hour developing in the Exmouth-Ningaloo region later on Sunday or Monday. Heavy rainfall is most likely in near coastal parts of the warning area later on Sunday and Monday. Tides will be higher than expected between Mardie and Cape Cuvier. There will continue to be large swells along the Pilbara and Kimberley coasts. FESA State Emergency Service (SES) advises of the following community alerts: BLUE ALERT: People in or near coastal and island communities between Mardie and Coral Bay including the communities of Mardie, Onslow, Exmouth and Coral Bay need to prepare for cyclonic weather and organise an emergency kit including first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water. Communities between Whim Creek and Cape Cuvier should listen for the next advice. People needing SES assistance can call 132 500. In a life threatening situation call 000. For more safety tips visit www.fesa.wa.gov.au Details of Tropical Cyclone Iggy at 5:00 pm WST: .Centre located near...... 20.2 degrees South 110.5 degrees East .Location accuracy........ within 45 kilometres .Recent movement.......... towards the south southwest at 5 kilometres per hour .Wind gusts near centre... 130 kilometres per hour and INTENSIFYING .Severity category........ 2 .Central pressure......... 975 hectoPascals The next advice will be issued by 9:00 pm WST Saturday 28 January. Cyclone advices and State Emergency Service Community Alerts are available by dialling 1300 659 210 A map showing the track of the cyclone is available at: http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/cyclone
Western Australia | Tropical Cyclone Iggy warning – Category 2 storm
Western Australia | 27 Jan 2012
TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 7 Issued at 9:02 pm WST on Friday 27 January 2012 A Cyclone WARNING has been declared for coastal areas from Mardie to Ningaloo including Exmouth and Onslow. A Cyclone WATCH extends east to Port Hedland and south to Coral Bay. At 8:00 pm WST Tropical Cyclone Iggy, Category 2 was estimated to be 460 kilometres northwest of Exmouth and 640 kilometres west northwest of Karratha and moving southeast at 14 kilometres per hour towards the west Pilbara coast. Over the next 48 hours TC Iggy will steadily intensify while moving generally southeastwards towards the western Pilbara coast. Gales may develop near the Pilbara coast between Ningaloo and Mardie by Saturday evening and could extend east to Port Hedland and south to Coral Bay by Sunday evening. Heavy rainfall is likely in coastal parts of the Pilbara over the weekend and there will be large swells along the Pilbara and Kimberley coasts. FESA State Emergency Service (SES) advises of the following community alerts: BLUE ALERT: People in or near coastal and island communities between Mardie and Coral Bay including the communities of Mardie, Onslow, Exmouth and Coral Bay need to prepare for cyclonic weather and organise an emergency kit including first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water. Communities between Mardie and Port Hedland should listen for the next advice. People needing SES assistance can call 132 500. In a life threatening situation call 000. For more safety tips visit www.fesa.wa.gov.au Details of Tropical Cyclone Iggy at 8:00 pm WST: .Centre located near...... 18.9 degrees South 111.1 degrees East .Location accuracy........ within 35 kilometres .Recent movement.......... towards the southeast at 14 kilometres per hour .Wind gusts near centre... 130 kilometres per hour and INTENSIFYING .Severity category........ 2 .Central pressure......... 977 hectoPascals The next advice will be issued by 12:00 am WST Saturday 28 January. Cyclone advices and State Emergency Service Community Alerts are available by dialling 1300 659 210 A map showing the track of the cyclone is available at: http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/cyclone
Western Australia | Tropical Cyclone watch for coastal areas from Whim Creek to Coral Bay
Western Australia | 26 Jan 2012
A Cyclone WATCH has been declared for coastal areas from Whim Creek to Coral Bay. At 2:00 pm WST Tropical Cyclone Iggy, Category 1 was estimated to be 820 kilometres northwest of Exmouth and 970 kilometres west northwest of Karratha and moving southeast at 5 kilometres per hour towards the west Pilbara coast. The cyclone is expected to intensify steadily as it approaches the coast. Tropical Cyclone Iggy is moving southeast towards the west Pilbara coast at about 6 kilometres per hour. Gales are not expected in coastal communities on Thursday or Friday, however gales may develop on the coast between Whim Creek and Coral Bay on Saturday afternoon or overnight into Sunday. Rainfall is likely to increase on Friday in coastal parts of the Pilbara, west Kimberley and possibly on the west coast north of Cape Cuvier. Strong winds, heavy rainfall and abnormally large swells will be experienced near Christmas Island, the Kimberley and Pilbara coasts due to the influence of a strong monsoonal flow. FESA-State Emergency Service advises that there are no community alerts at present. Communities between Whim Creek and Coral Bay, including communities near Karratha, Onslow and Exmouth, should listen for the next issue. Details of Tropical Cyclone Iggy at 2:00 pm WST: .Centre located near...... 16.5 degrees South 108.8 degrees East .Location accuracy........ within 55 kilometres .Recent movement.......... towards the southeast at 5 kilometres per hour .Wind gusts near centre... 100 kilometres per hour and intensifying .Severity category........ 1 .Central pressure......... 986 hectoPascals The next advice will be issued by 9:00 pm WST Thursday 26 January.Cyclone advices and State Emergency Service Community Alerts are available by dialling 1300 659 210 A map showing the track of the cyclone is available at: http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/cyclone