Great Ocean Road: Record rainfall triggers flash flooding, evacuations in Wye River, Lorne, Apollo Bay

Communities along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road are beginning recovery efforts after a record “rain bomb” triggered flash flooding that swept cars into the sea, forcing hundreds to flee campgrounds and coastal towns on Thursday night.

More than 180mm of rain fell in less than five hours on Thursday afternoon, sending torrents of water surging through low-lying areas around Wye River, Kennett River, Cumberland River, Lorne and Apollo Bay.

Emergency services carried out multiple rescue operations as fast-rising water tore through campgrounds and cut off sections of the coastal highway.

Two emergency relief centres have been established in Lorne and Apollo Bay to support residents and holidaymakers displaced by the flooding.

Officials say about 400 people were forced from their accommodation at the height of the deluge, with around 60 needing to be housed overnight in the relief centres.

Most others were able to find alternative accommodation or leave the area and return home.

The Great Ocean Road remains closed between Skenes Creek and Lorne as crews move into a major clean-up and damage assessment phase.

Despite the dramatic scenes, authorities have confirmed there are currently no reports of serious injuries or missing persons.

David Baker, Deputy Chief Officer of Operations for VIC SES, said the terrain and intensity of the downpour made conditions particularly dangerous.

“It’s nothing short of a rain bomb with 180mm”, he told Sunrise on Friday morning, describing how the rain hit the top of Mount Cowley and raced through the fast-flowing river systems.

“It was a really frightening experience,” he said.

Mr Baker said warnings were issued just before 1pm on Thursday and continued through the afternoon, but the speed of the system meant flooding escalated “very quickly”.

“Today, we wake up to a significant cleanup. We’ll also start assessment by our teams throughout that area to count the damage and help the community return to normal,” he said.

Emergency crews are now turning their attention to the Gippsland region, where lighter rainfall is forecast in the coming days. Mr Baker said crews are staying alert, but do not expect conditions similar to Thursday’s extreme downpour.

Call Triple Zero (000) in life-threatening emergencies.

Call VIC SES on 132 500 for help to make your home safe if:

• your roof is damaged, or it is leaking significantly
• a tree has fallen and damaged your home
• a tree has fallen and is blocking the entrance to your home
• your home has flooded or is about to flood.