By Matthew Henry
WODONGA: A fierce storm on Saturday night caused up to $50,000 damage to furniture and electrical stock at the Wodonga Highpoint Furniture and Retravision store and further damage at Harbrecht’s Betta Electrical in Wodonga, on the border of NSW and Victoria.
According to local media reports, about one fifth of the Retravision store was inundated by water during the height of flooding in the town, which followed a strong downpour on Saturday night at the twin border town of Albury-Wodonga.
“We couldn’t even make our way through the stock today as it’s all stacked up,” store proprietor, Gary Lee, told local paper The Border Mail yesterday.
“We’ve probably had six lounge suites totally saturated, probably had three dining suites saturated. We’ve had five laptop computers and a couple of desktop computers damaged, too.
“Floor coverings have been saturated,” said Lee.
The Retravision store was closed for trading on Sunday and Lee was unavailable for comment when contacted by Current.com.au this afternoon.
However, Current.com.au understrands that both stores have reopned for business today.
The Bureau of Meterology has reported 53mm of rain fell over the Albury-Wodonga region during the past 48 hours, along with lighting, thunder and hail storms which hit at about 6pm on Saturday.
Other businesses in the area were also affected by flooding, however, a third electrical retailer, Your Electrical Superstore, avoided any damage.