Key Takeaways:
- At least three cars have been swept out to sea and many more are submerged under bridges due to flash flooding on the Great Ocean Road.
- Over 6,500 homes in the region are without power, and caravan parks along the coast are being evacuated.
- The State Emergency Service has issued a flash flood emergency warning for Wye River, Kennett River, Cumberland River, Lorne, and surrounds.
- Residents are being urged to move indoors immediately and shelter away from floodwater.
- Emergency services are working to rescue those trapped in their caravans and homes.
Introduction to the Flood
The Great Ocean Road has been hit by severe flash flooding, with multiple cars being swept out to sea and many more submerged under bridges. The flooding has caused widespread damage and disruption, with over 6,500 homes in the region losing power. Caravan parks along the coast are being evacuated, and emergency services are working to rescue those trapped in their caravans and homes. The State Emergency Service has issued a flash flood emergency warning for Wye River, Kennett River, Cumberland River, Lorne, and surrounds, urging residents to move indoors immediately and shelter away from floodwater.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses have described the scene as "surreal" and "like a tsunami of water". Melbourne woman Rebecca Scott, who was camping at the Big4 park with her daughter, said that the river broke its banks about 1pm, and the water was rising rapidly. She described a frantic scene as campers attempted to unplug electrical equipment and save essentials, and was forced to abandon her tent, bedding, and camp kitchen to flee in her car. Michelle Mackenzie, who is holidaying in Lorne, described seeing eskies and chairs being washed away as the pub became "chockers" with people evacuated from the local campgrounds.
Damage and Disruption
The flooding has caused significant damage and disruption to the region, with multiple cars being swept out to sea and many more submerged under bridges. The Great Ocean Road is closed to traffic in both directions between Lorne and Cumberland River, and the main bridge crossing the river has been closed. Residents have been urged to park cars undercover and away from trees, and to contact family members and neighbours. The SES has warned that floodwater can rise quickly, and heavy rainfall has increased the risk of landslides in the Otways.
Emergency Response
Emergency services are working to rescue those trapped in their caravans and homes, and to evacuate people from the affected areas. The SES has issued a flash flood emergency warning, and residents are being urged to move indoors immediately and shelter away from floodwater. The Bureau of Meteorology has recorded 166mm of rain in the Mt Cowley area in the hours since 9am on Thursday, and residents are being warned to be prepared for further flooding. Otways Shire Mayor Jason Schram has said that much of the local emergency personnel were still working on blacking out the major Otways bushfire near Colac, and that the flooding has come as a surprise.
Aftermath and Recovery
The aftermath of the flooding is expected to be significant, with many residents and holidaymakers affected by the disaster. The SES and other emergency services will continue to work to rescue those trapped and to evacuate people from the affected areas. Residents are being urged to be patient and to follow the instructions of emergency services, and to prioritize their safety above all else. The recovery efforts are expected to take some time, and residents are being warned to be prepared for further disruptions and challenges in the coming days and weeks.