IT was a year ago today that Mulwala, Yarrawonga, Barooga, Rutherglen, Bundalong and Koonoomoo were hit by a tornado that tore apart houses, caravan parks and commercial premises.
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The day after 300km/h winds smashed parts of those towns and villages on March 21 last year, the devastation was clear.
For those who lost homes and livelihoods, it must have been not only heart-breaking but hard to believe.
Even now, when you visit the scene of the tornado’s damage, those affected can tell extraordinary stories about how they escaped with their lives.
Corowa mayor Fred Longmire rightly refers to the resilience of the tornado’s victims and the strength of a wider community that came to their aid.
It was a clean-up that came with further drama when the discovery of asbestos meant special precautions had to be taken, further delaying a return to normal.
Twelve months on, the caravan parks destroyed by the tornado have been refurbished, houses have been rebuilt and for the most part, residents — both permanent and regular holidaymakers — have returned home.
It’s a credit to those who have set aside the trauma and got on with their lives.
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