Key Takeaways:
- Severe thunderstorms caused flash flooding at Wye River, leading to evacuations and damage
- Over 170mm of rain fell in the area, causing the Wye, Kennett, and Cumberland rivers to overflow
- The Great Ocean Road was closed due to extreme weather, flooding, and possible land slips
- Hundreds of people were forced to evacuate the BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park and seek shelter at the Wye River pub
- The flooding caused significant damage, with cars and caravans swept away and buildings inundated with water
Introduction to the Flood
The town of Wye River in Victoria’s south-west coast experienced a severe thunderstorm that led to flash flooding, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate the area. The flooding was caused by heavy rainfall, with over 170mm of rain falling in the area in just a few hours. The Wye, Kennett, and Cumberland rivers overflowed, causing widespread damage and destruction. The severe weather conditions also led to the closure of the Great Ocean Road, a major scenic tourism route, due to extreme weather, flooding, and possible land slips.
Eyewitness Accounts
Patrice Capogreco, a camper at the BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park, described the terrifying experience of being caught in the flood. She and her two daughters were at the campsite when the flooding hit, and they were forced to evacuate quickly. Capogreco said that they had secured their site the night before, knowing that heavy rain was forecast, but they did not expect the extent of the flooding. She described the scene as "heartbreaking," with cars and caravans floating away and strangers hugging each other in shock. Capogreco and her daughters were among the hundreds of people who were forced to seek shelter at the Wye River pub, which was turned into a refuge.
Emergency Response
The emergency services responded quickly to the situation, with the Country Fire Authority evacuating people from the campsite to higher ground. The Wye River pub was used as a temporary shelter, and the local community came together to support those affected by the flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning for severe thunderstorms and flash flooding, but Capogreco said that they received the warning too late, and that clear communication was needed to prevent such disasters. The Victorian government also responded to the situation, with Premier Jacinta Allan describing the footage of the flooding as "terrifying" and offering support to the affected community.
Damage and Disruption
The flooding caused significant damage to the area, with cars and caravans swept away and buildings inundated with water. The Great Ocean Road was closed, and V/Line coach services were detoured inland, skipping stops at Kennett River and Wye River. The local Foodworks grocery store in Lorne was forced to shut its doors due to flash flooding, and the Lorne Community House opened its doors to provide shelter to those escaping the conditions. The flooding also caused disruption to the local community, with many people forced to evacuate their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.
Aftermath and Response
The aftermath of the flooding has left many people in the community shaken and concerned about the future. Capogreco said that she was unsure how long the roads would be blocked and when they would be able to return to survey the damage. The general store in Wye River was also flooded, and Capogreco said that she was worried about the long-term effects of the flooding on the community. The Victorian government has promised to support the affected community, and the local council has begun to assess the damage and plan for the recovery efforts. The flooding has also raised concerns about the need for better emergency preparedness and communication in the area, particularly during severe weather events.