Flash flooding triggers emergency support in Lorne

An emergency relief centre has been opened in Lorne to support residents and visitors forced to evacuate due to severe flash flooding across parts of the Great Ocean Road on Thursday.

The Surf Coast Shire has established the centre at Stribling Reserve – located at 45 Otway Street in Lorne – to provide shelter, food, water and essential non-food items such as bedding and clothing.

The centre is free to access, has parking available and will remain open until further notice.

Community members can register in person on arrival or online via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/LorneERC

Staff available on site to assist those with specific needs.

With demand expected to the high, the shire is encouraging impacted people to stay with family or friends where possible, but the relief centre remains available for those requiring immediate support.

Flooding continues to impact Lorne, Wye River, Separation Creek and surrounding areas, with an emergency warning still in place.

Floodwaters have inundated roads, including the Great Ocean Road, which is closed in both directions between Fairhaven and Skenes Creek.

Beach and foreshore areas at Wye River, Separation Creek and the Cumberland River have been affected, while the Erskine River has overflowed into parts of Lorne.

Homes and buildings have been flooded, and there have been reports of cars washed out to sea. It is understood some people have found themselves trapped in caravans, while others have sought refuge on rooftops.

Emergency services remain active across the region, responding to vehicles washed into rivers and onto beaches, and assessing bridges for safety.

Authorities have also warned of an increased risk of landslips with further coastal assessments to be carried out when conditions allow.

Local support efforts are underway, with Lorne School and the Lorne Op Shop providing blankets and clothing, Feed Me Surf Coast delivering food, and the Salvation Army also attending with bedding and clothing.

The community is urged to stay informed through the VicEmergency app or website and follow all advice from emergency services on the ground.

Updates from the shire are available via its dedicated emergency response webpage at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/lorneflood

Those wanting to let loved ones know they are safe, or to locate someone potentially impacted, can register with the Red Cross through Register.Find.Reunite. Head to register.redcross.org.au

The Environment Protection Authority is also supporting the response effort.

Floodwaters can contain debris and contaminants that can be harmful. The EPA is advising people and their pets to avoid contact with the floodwaters wherever possible.