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Assessments are still underway to determine the full extent of the damage, but the spokesperson said the centre was aware of dozens of vehicles, including cars and caravans, being impacted by the flood water. Video captured by both locals and holidaymakers on the ground yesterday showed several cars were swept out to the ocean.<\/p>\n
“Holidaymakers in the area should check conditions before travelling in and around the area,” the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
“Flood water is dangerous \u2013 never walk, ride or drive through it. Even shallow water can be fast-moving and conceal debris, damaged roads, unstable ground or contamination.”<\/p>\n
About 200 people sought assistance from the Surf Coast Shire\u2019s emergency relief centre at Stribling Reserve, most of them evacuees from nearby caravan parks. Many were later collected by friends or family, or accepted offers of accommodation from local residents.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n About 40 people spent the night at the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club, while a small number remained at the relief centre, which will continue to operate until further notice.<\/p>\n The Great Ocean Road remains closed in both directions today between Lorne and Skenes Creek due to flood damage, with access restricted to emergency services only.<\/p>\n Surf Coast mayor Libby Stapleton thanked the emergency services and local community for their response.<\/p>\n \u201cThe local community was amazing yesterday and last night, rallying to support those in need,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cLorne Surf Life Saving Club opened its doors to people needing shelter as did the Stribling Reserve community asset committee, which opened the pavilion for immediate shelter before it was officially activated as an emergency relief centre.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe had the op shop and school donating blankets and clothes and Feed Me Surf Coast sent a van full of food.<\/p>\n \u201cMany people in the community offered their help or made their homes available for people to stay in overnight \u2013 it\u2019s been a great example of a local community pulling together at a time of need.\u201d<\/p>\n Lorne P-12 College was called in to assist during the emergency, helping transport stranded families from Cumberland River back to Stribling Reserve.<\/p>\n Staff and volunteers completed multiple trips, safely moving about 100 families, while additional buses were used to shuttle people between the surf club and the relief centre.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The shire has advised further donations of food and clothing are not required at the relief centre at this time. Clothing donations can be made at the Lorne op shop.<\/p>\n Efforts have shifted straight into recovery, and council crews are out inspecting trees, roads and other infrastructure, and undertaking temporary repairs where it is safe to do so.<\/p>\n \u201cOur priority is still the wellbeing and safety of everyone impacted,\u201d Stapleton said.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease follow emergency advice about returning to affected areas and avoid flood waters today.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/01\/615935011_25768248836160653_2530092733843701790_n-copy-1024x993.jpg\")
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