VIC Storms February 2024

CPAP machine

February 2024 storm impacted

Latrobe Valley resident impacted by the storm that occurred in February 2024. The storm caused a power surge in the property, and the main switch board had to be replaced. this meant that the resident and his full-time live-in carer did not have power for days, which resulted in the loss of all their food and the loss of electrical items such as the only source of heating and cooling. This also impacted on the resident's physical health as they were not able to use their CPAP machine at night, increasing the impact of the storm on their mental health. Resident has a range of physical and mental health disabilities that impact their day to day living. Resident and full-time live-in carer are experiencing financial difficulties, Client uses CPAP machine which broke prior to the storm but due to ongoing costs associated with the storm, resident hasn't been able to replace the CPAP machine, furthering impact his physical and mental health.