Pintail dam at Torquay threatens homes

EMERGENCY services have evacuated more than one hundred people from their homes following the discovery of a leak in a private dam on Horseshoe Bend Road near Pintail Drive at Torquay.

A VICSES media spokesperson said a 180-megalitre dam near was at risk of “catastrophic failure”.

Victoria Police and emergency service crews door knocked 41 homes just south of the dam site and evacuated 109 people from nearby properties during the night. The spokesperson said two nearby properties were taking on water.

Emergency service personnel, including eight SES units and 10 CFA appliances had worked through the night pumping water.

“We’ve had dam engineers onsite, they are checking the structural and integrity of the dam,” she said.

The spokesperson said VICSES would host a community meeting later today and the meeting would cover the current situation and how to stay safe in regard to the risk of flooding.

VICSES is urging residents in the vicinity to remain alert, and if any floodwater does occur to safely move away from the area.

Due to the risks, some traffic detours are in place.

VICSES will provide further information as the situation changes.

For more information visit https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/?=&bbox=144.31198596954346%2C-38.320481209780375%2C144.37635898590088%2C-38.290677633851956&tm=1601658277508#!/warning/14576