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Flash Floods Along Great Ocean Road Sweep Cars to Sea as Warnings Ease

Authorities report no injuries after the deluge, with residents urged to avoid debris, damaged roads and landslip risk.

Overview

  • Warnings for Wye River, Kennett River and Lorne were downgraded after rapid flooding inundated coastal towns and swept vehicles, tents and caravans into the ocean.
  • The Wye River Big4 caravan park was badly damaged, with SES crews reporting thick mud through the site and assisting people who were stuck in caravans.
  • Mt Cowley recorded more than 180 millimetres of rain in roughly four hours, which the Bureau of Meteorology said drove the sudden flash flooding.
  • No injuries have been reported, though earlier footage showed cars being carried out to sea and emergency services deployed four police helicopters for evacuations and rescues.
  • About 6,500 homes were reported without power during the event, and forecasters warn of further rain and storms in Victoria, especially in Gippsland, as a nearby bushfire continues to burn in the Otways.