By NICOLE VALICEK
Jeremiahs escape unhurt as 15-metre gum tree crashes…
A 15-METRE gum tree fell on a car parked in an Altona driveway, taking out the chimney, smashing windows and leaving the home occupants in shock as gale-force winds ripped across the municipality.
Purnell St residents Garry and Judi Jeremiah were in shock after the 35-year-old gum tree was uprooted from the concrete footpath and strewn across their driveway.
Judi, who could not sleep due to the ferocity of the wind last Tuesday morning, witnessed the gum tree crashing down around 12.30am.
“I happened to look out the window and I saw the tree go dong, dong and crack down it came,” Mrs Jeremiah said.
The tree landed on top of a pergola and then onto the couple’s car, taking out the chimney, with the impact smashing a few front windows.
The incident left Mr Jeremiah in a state of shock, with the couple’s nearly two-year-old grandson asleep in the house.
“In the 42 years we’ve lived here, this is the first damage we have had to the house,” Mr Jeremiah said.
“Nobody was hurt that’s the important thing,” Mrs Jeremiah added.
Emergency crews and Hobsons Bay City Council responded to more than 900 calls for help as winds of up to 140km/h hit the city last Monday night and Tuesday.
Altona State Emergency Service (SES) Deputy Controller Peter Tester said the storm caused widespread damage across the municipality but Altona, Altona Meadows and Laverton bore the brunt of the fierce winds.
He said the majority of calls were for fallen trees and trees blocking roads, while others related to structural house damage including roof sheeting and tiles blown from the strong winds.
Overnight on Monday, 11 volunteers responded to initial calls until 9am before getting assistance from other units and the Melbourne Fire Brigade.
Mr Tester said the severe winds made it risky for crews in the field, who expected a surge of calls on Tuesday after people inspected their houses in daylight.
“We’re surprised and very pleased that no one has been injured as far as we’re aware,” he said.
“All emergency services, fire brigade, SES and local council have been pulling together and doing a fantastic job. It’s a big team effort for everyone.”
Twenty-six council buildings were affected, with the majority of the damage in the Altona, Seabrook, Altona Meadows and Laverton areas.
