Bendigo Emergency Services Under Pressure After Code Red Day Storms

Bendigo has emerged as the hardest-hit centre in Victoria's north-west after this week's 'Code Red Day' storm, with the State Emergency Service handling approximately 60 call-outs in the city alone. The severe weather left more than 11,000 properties without power as Powercor crews tackled over 490 separate faults across the network, which at its peak saw 80,000 customers lose supply.

Strain on Local Services

The storm placed additional strain on Bendigo Health, which had already declared a 'Code Yellow' internal emergency due to high occupancy in the emergency department, ambulance ramping, and increased patient demand. The alert led to the postponement of elective surgeries as staff managed the surge. The SES north-west region fielded 244 incidents in the 24-hour period, with Bendigo accounting for roughly a quarter of those.

New Digital Tools for Residents

The City of Greater Bendigo has launched a new Emergency Dashboard on its website, offering real-time warnings, road closures, and direct links to relief centres and sandbagging locations. The tool is designed to give residents a single point of access for bushfire, flood, and storm information. For those without internet access, the VicEmergency app and hotline (1800 226 226) remain available, along with the Bendigo SES contact number 132 500 for flood and storm emergencies.

Transport Disruptions and Road Safety

The storm also caused signal faults that delayed Melbourne-bound V/Line services from Bendigo, with slippery surfaces prompting warnings for passengers to check for weather-impacted services. On the roads, a car and caravan flipped near Lake Eppalock east of Bendigo, blocking multiple lanes, and firefighters managed traffic while advising motorists to avoid the area. Earlier, a fatal collision on High Street between a truck and a 15-year-old pedestrian resulted in the boy's death at the scene, underscoring the heightened risks during severe weather events.

Ongoing Efforts and Advice

Powercor crews continue restoration work across the region, with the SES urging residents to stay clear of fallen power lines and report hazards via 132 500. The City of Greater Bendigo advises residents to monitor the VicTraffic live feed at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au for updates on road closures and conditions. With more unstable weather possible, the council recommends preparing emergency kits and having a plan in place, particularly for those in low-lying areas prone to flash flooding.