Chelsea crew assisting in flood crisis

The now famous Nathalia levee bank

Chelsea SES currently has 5 volunteer members assisting with the terrible flooding in Northern and Central Victoria.

Continuing to hold back the waters

Chelsea members Ron, Deb, Dean and Alan C are on deployment to Nathalia where once again local residents are fighting to hold back flood waters from inundating their homes and businesses.

Flooding from the Broken Creek is affecting these areas for the second year in a row

Checking the water levels

Checking the levee banks for any signs of leaks

Members have been spending a lot of time sandbagging like so many others, but also, checking the various levees around the town for any signs of a breach or leaks as well as monitoring water levels.

The levee bank keeping the residents of Were Street dry

The Chelsea crews were in Nathalia today (10/03/2012) but are staying in Shepparton, just over 40Kms South of Nathalia, and will be briefed as to their deployment each morning meaning that they could be sent to different areas depending on needs.

SES Task Force vehicles on arrival in Nathalia

As in the past, members have been warmly received by locals and are working closely with many other local organisations including  Council, CFA as well as the residents themselves.

Debris is just one component that makes flood waters so dangerous

Another member, Nikolai, is in the same area as part of a boat crew assisting in areas where road transport is unavailable with Phil Holt, Deputy Controller from Frankston Unit.

Flood waters cover this road for as far as the eye can see

This road continues on for approx 3 kms and is fully submerged; the road then has a small incline and then continues on for another 6 Kms again all fully submerged.

SES and CFA volunteers working together for a common goal

The man made levee bank that is being used for the first time since being purchased appears to be doing it's job despite some early concerns. The addition of a sandbag wall behind the levee has reinforced the safety and stability of the structure and seems to be showing that it will serve the purpose of restraining the flood waters from entering the heart of the town.

SES Task Force members being briefed as to the days tasks

They say that a picture says a thousand words, well in this case the pictures certainly do tell the tale. As always, when members are called for deployments to various areas around the State as well as around the country; Chelsea members are always there, ready to do whatever it takes to help and as always we are very proud of the fantastic job that they are doing. We wish them well for the remainder of their time up North and look forward to having them back home safe and sound. Well done to each and every one. Great job as usual!