From fire to flood: Surf Coast hit by back-to-back emergencies

The Surf Coast has shifted from bushfire threat to flood recovery in the space of days, after destructive flash flooding tore through coastal catchments on Thursday.

While fires continue to burn inland, just 70km away, highly localised and intense rainfall this week triggered life-threatening flash flooding from Lorne to Wye River, washing vehicles into the sea, inundating caravan parks and cutting access along sections of the Great Ocean Road.

More than 186mm of rain was recorded at Mount Cowley, in Lorne, in just 24 hours, most of which fell within a six-hour period. It is the highest daily total on record for the area. The previous high of 123mm was recorded in 2021.

 

 

Cars and caravans were seen floating offshore as rivers broke their banks and floodwaters surged through creeks and low-lying areas.

Authorities estimate between 10 and 20 vehicles may have been lost, though assessments are ongoing, and several vehicles remain unaccounted for.

One young child has been airlifted to hospital with minor injuries.

Victoria Police said the onset of flash flooding was first reported at the Wye and Cumberland rivers around 1.30pm on Thursday. Conditions escalated rapidly.

 

 

The Police Air Wing, along with two Ambulance Victoria aircraft and two Life Saving Victoria helicopters were deployed to the area to assist with what authorities have described as a complex rescue environment.

Multiple rescue and retrieval operations took place through Thursday afternoon and into the evening, including several winch rescues of people stranded by rising floodwaters.

A man in his 60s was winched from a roof of a shed at Cumberland River by the Police Air Wing, while Life Saving Victoria crews winched a hiker from a hilltop about 1km north-west of the river.

A group of four hikers, including an 88-year-old and a dog, were also guided to safety near the Great Ocean Road by a tactical flight officer dropped into rugged terrain by helicopter.

 

 

As recovery continues today, the Surf Coast Shire has been able to close its emergency relief centre at Stribling Reserve in Lorne. All registered evacuees have either returned home or secured alternative accommodation.

A community information point has been established at the Lorne Visitor Information Centre, with council staff available until 5pm on Saturday to provide assistance. Arrangements beyond today will be determined based on community need.

The council is also waiving disposal fees for residents bringing flood-related debris to waste transfer stations, while operations crews continue inspecting trees, roads and infrastructure and carrying out temporary repairs.

 

 

Otway fires untouched by rain

The record-breaking rainfall on Thursday was confined to the coast and did not fall across the fire-affected parts of the Otways, where crews continue to battle three blazes.

The bushfire at Kennedys Creek was this week brought under control by the firefighters who have been on the ground for more than a week. Efforts continue now to suppress two other fires that remain out of control in the Carlisle River area.

With strong winds and gusts of up to 55kmh returning on Saturday, the Carlisle River Fire Brigade is urging residents to “stay vigilant”.

 

 

“We are getting flare ups with the high winds that will continue throughout the day,” the brigade posted on social media.

“Please closely monitor your properties for potential fires.”

Ten major fires continue to burn across Victoria, with more than 1,000 structures damaged or destroyed, including almost 300 homes.

The state of disaster remains in place.