Massive flash flooding struck Lorne, Wye River, Separation Creek, and Cumberland River Thursday afternoon, stranding hundreds of holidaymakers along the Great Ocean Road.
Raging waters swept several cars out to sea at Wye River and inundated riverside campgrounds, forcing panicked campers to flee. Sparked by huge downpours, floodwaters swallowed tents, caravans, and vehicles.
A man stranded on a Cumberland River roof got winched to safety by police. Several people sheltered on Wye River’s general store roof while cars submerged under bridges. No injuries occurred despite chaotic scenes.
Major evacuations and road closure
Around 1500 people evacuated from Wye River caravan park alone, with 400 unable to retrieve vehicles needing bussing out. Erskine River Caravan Park suffered significant damage, reopening date unknown.
The Great Ocean Road closed between Skenes Creek and Fairhaven – an 80km stretch including Lorne and Wye River.
Mount Cowley near Lorne recorded 175mm rain in six hours. Authorities warned against returning between Lorne and Kennett River, advising remaining residents to shelter at highest points. Isolated individuals may stay cut off for some time.
Relief centres open, locals help
Colac-Otway Shire established a relief centre at Apollo Bay P12 College for Wye River evacuees, organising bus transport.
Surf Coast Shire opened Stribling Reserve in Lorne, hosting over 200 in first two hours with 20 overnight stays expected. Locals offered homes as emergency accommodation.
Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority urged Friday arrivals to delay two days for safety assessments. Kennett River and Wye River campers deemed safe to remain as of 10pm.
Extreme weather follows bushfires
Wye River CFA captain Andy Hack witnessed two cars floating out to sea after his daughter reported sudden cafe flooding.
Premier Jacinta Allan called footage terrifying, noting 400 vehicle-less evacuees and potential effluent contamination requiring cleanup.
The event compounds Victoria’s crisis after bushfires burned over 400,000 hectares. Wye River marked 10 years since a devastating fire destroyed 116 homes just weeks ago.
Evacuee Alex Kelly fled bushfires twice in a week before this flood.
Also read: Author Craig Silvey faces child exploitation charges
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for the latest updates.
