Victorian emergency services continue to work around the clock in response to this week’s severe weather event, with major flooding impacts expected over the course of today and into next week.
In the past 24 hours, the Victoria State Emergency Service has received more than 2679 requests for assistance, including more than 119 flood rescues since midnight.
Requests for assistance have been widespread across the state, with VICSES Bendigo Unit volunteers the busiest, receiving 279 requests in the past 24 hours.
VICSES crews are once again reminding Victorians to never drive on flooded roads. It can take just 15cm of water for a small vehicle to float.
There are several inundated roads across the state, both in metro Melbourne and in regional Victoria.
If you plan to travel over the next few days, ensure you plan your route. Visit the VicTraffic website for the latest on road closures: www.traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
There may also be changes to public transport schedules — ensure you visit the Public Transport Victoria website for disruption information: www.ptv.vic.gov.au/
Emergency service authorities will continue to work with local councils regarding the activation of relief centres, with several operational from today, including Benalla Performing Arts Centre, Samaria Rd, Benalla.
There are more than 90 warnings active across the state, with five ‘evacuate immediately’ emergency warnings issued, including for the Maribyrnong River, where more than 60 properties have been affected due to rapidly rising flood water; Benalla; Carisbook, Seymour and Rochester.
Residents in low-lying areas between Benalla, Baddaginnie and Tarnook have been advised it is too late to leave.
Overnight, seven emergency alert campaigns were delivered for areas including Wedderburn, Maribrynong, Seymour and Benalla, with almost 37,000 SMS alert messages distributed to at-risk residents.
Sandbag collection points will continue to operate in at-risk locations, with over 50 sandbag collection points available across the state, including in the Loddon Mallee, Hume, Grampians, Barwon South West and Melbourne Metro. Locations are available on the VICSES website: https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/sandbag-guide
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said major flooding was expected to remain in parts of the state over the coming days.
“It’s important for everybody in Victoria to have a plan and understand the risks by checking VicEmergency and SES local flood guides,” Mr Crisp said.
“Thank you to our dedicated emergency services who are continuing to work hard to respond to the widespread flooding across the state.”
VICSES chief operations officer Tim Wiebusch also offered advice.
“Our staff, volunteers and other emergency services have been working around the clock to keep communities safe,” Mr Wiebusch said.
“Please do not attempt to drive through floodwaters — it not only puts your life at risk but also the lives of those who may need to rescue you.”
Victorians are reminded to never rely on one channel for emergency information. Connect to official sources of emergency information, including the VicEmergency app and www.emergency.vic.gov.au
Tune in to local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews TV
Phone the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
Follow VicEmergency on Facebook and Twitter.