VICSES volunteers work through another busy night

VICSES volunteers work through another busy night

14/11/2022, 9:30 AM

Over the last 24 hours (as at 8:00am Monday 14 November), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers have received more than 550 Requests for Assistance (RFAs) across the state.

Of those calls, 318 are for flooding incidents, 104 for fallen trees, and 44 for building damage.
VICSES volunteers have also been called to assist with 38 inland water rescues, including at Mount Martha, where residents experienced severe flash flooding. 

With further rain expected over the course of the day in areas including Wonthaggi, Frankston and Rosebud, 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 - and it could be the last decision you make.

In the 30 days since severe flooding began widespread impacts across Victoria, VICSES has received more than 13,500 RFAs. 

Moderate to Major Flood Warnings remain current for some parts of the state, particularly for communities along the Murray River including Kerang, Echuca, Barham, Barmah, Robinvale and Mildura. VICSES crews and emergency services remain ready to respond in an effort to support communities most affected as required.

Overnight, heavy rainfall, flash flooding and strong winds at Mount Martha and in Mornington have affected local units, with VICSES Hastings Unit volunteers being the busiest, responding to over 194 calls for help since 6:00pm yesterday. Other units kept busy throughout the night include:

• VICSES Sorrento Unit (194)
• VICSES Ballarat Unit (32)
• VICSES Bannockburn Unit (21)
• VICSES Wodonga Unit (21) 

VICSES thanks the community for their patience as our volunteers continue to respond to RFAs, working through them as quickly as possible, with 222 calls for help remaining outstanding this morning.  
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a gale warning for Port Phillip, West Coast, Central Coast, Central Gippsland Coast and East Gippsland Coast.

For more information on warnings: www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/

As we see further heavy rainfall and renewed river rises, it’s vital that Victorians understand the life-threatening risks associated with floodwater.

Now is the time to be flood ready, and understand your flood risk. Find local flood guides for your area on the VICSES website.

Ensure you consider your need to travel and watch out for large trees as recent wet and windy weather may have destabilised trees or branches, making them more likely to fall.