Flash Flooding Strikes Victoria After Heavy Rainfall

Parts of Victoria are on high alert as warnings for flash flooding have been issued following heavy rainfall on Sunday night and Monday morning. 

A severe thunderstorm warning from the Bureau of Meteorology remains in place for an area stretching from Warragul to east of Bendigo.

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The site shows that towns such as Moe, Yarra Glen, and Seymour are at risk of flash flooding this morning.

Emergency crews and water police conducted 26 flood rescues across the state overnight, and 11 of those were from Bendigo.

The State Emergency Service (SES) has received numerous calls for help, primarily for damage to homes.

SES Assistant Chief Officer Mark Cattell said several homes have been inundated by flash flooding. 

“We’ve got a lot of crews across the state currently preparing for the impending weather; we’ve also got a lot of crews that are resting after a very busy night in the Bendigo area,” he reported to ABC News Breakfast.

An emergency relief centre has been established at the Bendigo Showgrounds to assist those affected by flooding. 

The SES will hold a community meeting at Rochester at midday, as the area is still recovering from floods that occurred more than a year ago.

Floodwaters from Bendigo are expected to flow through to Rochester via the Campaspe River, prompting ongoing concerns for the region. 

The SES advises Victorians to remain vigilant and aware of their local areas.

In addition to the Campaspe River, flood watches are in place for rivers in Gippsland, Central, and Northern Victoria. 

The Mallee, Northern Country, and Wimmera forecast districts also experienced strong winds and hailstones overnight.

The SES received about 700 calls for assistance in the 24 hours leading up to early Monday morning.

Duty officer Aaron White urged the community not to drive into areas affected by flash flooding.

“We really tell the community to stay well clear of any dangerous circumstances. That includes driving into floodwater,” he said.

“it may be the last decision you ever make; you don’t know what’s under those floodwaters.”

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