FED: ACT helps out with Sydney hailstorm recovery

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-1999
FED: ACT helps out with Sydney hailstorm recovery

CANBERRA, April 19 AAP - Six ACT emergency service units head to Sydney this morning to
help with the massive cleanup from last week's hailstorm.

With thousands of homes damaged by the massive hailstorms, local units have been struggling
to cope with the demand for tarpaulins and assistance to cover smashed roofs and windows.

ACT Justice and Community Safety Minister Gary Humphries said the deployment of the six ACT
units and 28 volunteers followed an official request last night (Sunday) from the NSW State
Emergency Service.

"The ACT Emergency Service will also provide badly needed tarpaulins to houses and other
buildings in areas of Sydney which were devastated by a freak hailstorm on Wednesday night,"
Mr Humphries said in a statement.

"At times like this, all Australians offer whatever support they can to those in need, and
I am proud of our emergency service volunteers.

"Canberra is in a high risk area for storms like the one which hit Sydney last week, so it
is particularly important that we recognise the needs of our neighbours in case we may one day
have to call for assistance ourselves."

Mr Humphries said the ACT's commitment amounted to more than half Canberra's emergency
service resources, but all the units would be able to return at short notice if required.

AAP ss/cjh

KEYWORD: HAILSTORM ACT

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