A catastrophic hail storm that hit Queensland's southeast over the weekend caused extensive damage to hundreds of properties in Ipswich, with the clean-up operation "bigger than anyone expected".
Ipswich City mayor Teresa Harding has urged residents to be patient as council staff, SES volunteers and emergency services help those affected.
"There has been extensive damage caused to over 1700 properties, including roofs, ceilings and windows, across a large area," Ms Harding said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The clean-up operation is much bigger than anyone anticipated and this means it may take extra time to get to everyone."
Ms Harding said additional support would be provided through the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and the National Resource Sharing Centre in the coming days.
Residents have been asked to put waste, including building material debris, as well as damaged furniture and whitegoods, on the kerbside for collection.
Ms Harding also encouraged storm-affected residents to contact their insurers as soon as possible to start the claims process.
The YMCA Springfield Lakes Community Centre has provided help to more than 600 people since Saturday's storm and would continue to do so during the week, she said.
Health authorities have warned people to be vigilant about food safety - with power only just returning to some properties - as well as taking note of any mould developing in hail or water-damaged properties.
Australian Associated Press
