In the aftermath of a relentless deluge sweeping across eastern Australia, floodwaters now pose a threat to isolate a second Victorian town.
Eastern Victoria and southern New South Wales find themselves on high alert as more rain is anticipated, adding to the areas that have already witnessed over 150mm of rainfall in a single day.
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The town of Mallacoota, nestled in the East Gippsland region of Victoria, stands cut off to the public as of midday Friday due to a landslide that severed its connection on Thursday morning.
While emergency vehicles still have access, residents are grappling with isolation.
Kameruka Estate near Bega experienced a staggering 200mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period until Thursday evening, while Mallacoota recorded 112mm.
Although the rain has eased on Friday, floodwaters persist, particularly menacing the Bemm River, which is expected to cut off the town upon flooding.
Major alerts were issued along the Thomson and Avon rivers, with moderate flood warnings for the Buchan, Macalister, Snowy, and Mitchell rivers
East Gippsland Shire Mayor Tom Crook said: “The community of Bemm River is very much likely to be cut off this afternoon as the floodwaters make their way down Bemm River catchment.”
Jenny Lloyd, an SES volunteer, said: “I’ve never seen so much water in our water system in the 40 years I’ve lived here.”
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that flooding may persist even after the rain subsides in both NSW and Victoria.
Additionally, central, southern, and southeast Queensland face the risk of severe thunderstorms, while severe heatwave conditions persist in the north.
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