Following an absolute drenching, thousands of Victorians have been ordered to evacuate, at least 500 homes have been flooded and roads remain closed across the state due to flooding.
Maribyrnong has been hard hit, with around 30 SES crews doing foot patrolling the area on foot and by boat to ensure residents are safe and out of harm’s way.
As water continues to rise in the area, SES volunteers continue to rescue those trapped in flooded homes or cut off by floods.
So far, 11 relief centres have been set up across Victoria along with 50 collection points for sandbags.
Over 1500 Victorians have already applied for emergency relief payments via the state government’s website.
Though Victoria is not currently under a state of disaster, Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said the declaration would continue to be considered over coming days.
Reports indicate that over 200 main arterial roads are currently closed due to flood impacts.
Premier Daniel Andrews says the SES has completed over 200 rescues since the major rain event began, and is urging those in flooded areas not to drive through water.
“Many of those [rescues] could have been prevented, and a key point here is it’s very dangerous for you and it’s also very dangerous for the emergency services to come and rescue you,” he said.
@VicEmergency continues to issue flood updates, with major flood emergency warnings released for Skipton, and Coldstream to Abbotsford, this afternoon.
Watch and Act – Major Flood Warning for Coldstream to Abbotsford. You should Avoid the Flooded Area. For more info: https://t.co/owbJHuiolA #vicfloods
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) October 14, 2022
An updated warning was also issued for Wedderburn in Victoria’s north-west, as a dam threatens to burst. A relief has been set up at the Wedderburn Hall for residents that need to evacuate their homes.
This EVACUATE NOW – DAM FAILURE is for Skinners Flat in Wedderburn
The Skinners Flat Reservoir is likely to breach. If you live, work, or are holidaying in Wedderburn you should evacuate now.
More details at https://t.co/RP7Qsf1njB… pic.twitter.com/M8JEHZEXZ0
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) October 14, 2022
A current list of major flood warnings can be found here and here.
The Bureau of Meteorology advises major flood warnings are in place for the Ovens and Kings Rivers, Broken River, Seven and Castle Creeks, Goulburn River, Campaspe River, Loddon River, Avoca River and Wimmera River.
Road closures are in place across the state. Up to date listings and details can be found here.
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