What caused the flash floods on Victoria's Great Ocean Road?

Heavy thunderstorms combined with steep, small catchments led to rapid flash flooding, causing significant damage and danger.

How is climate change affecting flood events in Victoria?

Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of thunderstorms, leading to larger and more dangerous flood events, with risks expected to double by century's end.

What should people do if warned of severe thunderstorms in flood-prone areas like Wye River?

In high-risk areas, heed warnings, move to higher ground with family, and have an evacuation plan in place, as floods can happen very quickly.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Victoria Floods: 'Terrifying' Flash Floods Devastate Great Ocean Road

Victoria Floods: 'Terrifying' Flash Floods Devastate Great Ocean Road

18 Jan

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Summary

Flash floods swept cars out to sea and inundated a caravan park.
Steep, small catchments in the Otways amplify flood risks.
Climate change is increasing flood intensity and frequency globally.

Victoria Floods: 'Terrifying' Flash Floods Devastate Great Ocean Road

Flash floods described as 'terrifying' have devastated Victoria's Great Ocean Road, with holidaymakers witnessing cars being swept out to sea and a caravan park inundated. Residents narrowly escaped the rapid inundation near Wye River and Separation Creek. Experts explain that the area's steep, small catchments, draining the Otways, respond rapidly to thunderstorms, leaving little time for effective flood warnings.

These unpredictable events, exacerbated by climate change, are projected to become more frequent and intense. Global warming has already increased thunderstorm event intensity by 15 to 20 percent over the last 30 years. This increase in atmospheric moisture leads to more intense downpours, amplifying flood risks. The risk of flooding is expected to double by the end of the century.