Parts of Victoria, Australia, have been left reeling after a sudden and intense deluge triggered severe flash flooding, with dramatic footage capturing cars being swept into the ocean and popular campgrounds submerged.
Record-Breaking Deluge Causes Chaos
The extreme weather event struck on Thursday, with the coastal region receiving a staggering 180 millimetres of rain in just six hours. The downpour proved particularly intense in the town of Lorne, where the rainfall total for the day set a new and alarming record. The 180mm measurement exceeded the previous daily record of 123.2mm, which was set as recently as 30 September 2021.
Scenes of Destruction at Wye River and Beyond
The flash flooding had an immediate and devastating impact on the landscape. At Wye River, the force of the water was powerful enough to wash several vehicles directly into the ocean, while local campgrounds were rapidly inundated. The torrential rain caused the Wye, Kennett, and Cumberland rivers to burst their banks, spreading floodwaters across the area.
Video evidence from both Wye River and Lorne has emerged, illustrating the sheer scale of the damage. The footage shows the aftermath of the natural disaster, with debris-strewn areas and significant erosion highlighting the power of the flash floods.
Community and Environmental Aftermath
This severe flooding event serves as a stark reminder of the increasing volatility of weather patterns. The fact that a two-year-old rainfall record was so decisively broken underscores the intensity of the storm system. Local emergency services and residents are now facing a major clean-up operation as they assess the full extent of the damage to infrastructure, property, and the natural environment.
While this incident occurred in Australia, it resonates with global concerns about more frequent and severe extreme weather events, a key issue for environmental and emergency planning authorities worldwide, including in the UK.
