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Flash Flood Sweeps Cars into Sea in Victoria
16 Jan
Summary
- Sudden downpours caused flash floods in Victoria's east.
- Record rainfall led to cars being swept into the sea.
- Emergency services warn of ongoing flood and fire risks.
Emergency services in Australia issued warnings on Friday for the country's east, urging preparedness for sudden downpours and dangerous bushfires. These warnings followed a severe flash flood event in Victoria, where heavy rain caused cars to be swept into the sea. One location recorded a significant 186 millimetres of rain within 24 hours, predominantly on Thursday.
The intense weather has impacted communities, forcing up to 300 people to evacuate caravan parks in the state's southwest. The Great Ocean Road was temporarily cut off due to the flooding. This extreme weather event comes after Victoria declared a state of disaster earlier in January, as it battled 10 major bushfires that had already destroyed hundreds of homes.
Officials emphasized the need for communities to be ready for all types of emergencies, citing the rapid transition from severe heatwaves and bushfires to extreme flash flooding. While flood risks have since eased in Victoria, the combination of ongoing fires and past flooding serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to natural disasters.
