VICSES deploys major emergency response in wake of flash flood event

23/01/2026, 3:18 PM
VICSES volunteers were quickly on scene following reports of a major flash flooding event impacting several beachside communities last week.

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers are continuing to support communities in the state’s southwest following a devastating flash flood event which impacted multiple townships along the Great Ocean Road last week.

An intense rainfall event following a series of severe thunderstorms near Mount Cowley and Mount Sabine on the afternoon of 15 January saw each of the Kennett, Wye and Cumberland rivers quickly overflow and threaten ocean-side communities, resulting in significant damage to local infrastructure and the displacement of hundreds of community members and holidaymakers.

VICSES volunteers from nearby Lorne were quickly on scene to provide emergency assistance as dozens of vehicles and caravans were inundated with flood water and some swept out to sea following 180mm of rain at Mount Cowley over a six-hour period, almost 60mm more than the area’s previous 24-hour record.

Alongside first responders from emergency service partner agencies including CFA, Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police and Life Saving Victoria, VICSES volunteers provided on-the-ground support to an initial 400 persons impacted in low-lying areas, while further VICSES resourcing was deployed to support incident management functions out of nearby Geelong and Colac.

VICSES volunteers from throughout the state have provided further assistance to affected communities over the last week.

In the 24 hours to midday of 16 January, VICSES Lorne Unit volunteers were called to 24 requests for assistance in their community, the majority relating to flooding and immediate rescue support alongside Victoria Police.

Remarkably, despite flooding occurring in highly populated riverside tourist areas, no loss of life and only one minor injury were recorded, with most able to avoid flooded roads, bridges and low-lying areas for their own safety.

Over the ensuing days, VICSES volunteers have supported infrastructure assessments and wider emergency response efforts, with additional crews from throughout the state’s western region deployed to the area to clear impacted trees, provide swift-water rescue capability and aid the recovery of community assets such as caravan parks and road infrastructure.

A complex helicopter salvage operation was also coordinated earlier this week by VICSES with assistance from Victoria Police, Department of Transport, Environment Protection Authority and local stakeholders to successfully recover 14 vehicles displaced by floodwater.

VICSES coordinated the recovery of several vehicles earlier this week which had been swept away by floodwater.

While volunteers continue to support the ongoing emergency response in the local area, VICSES community engagement specialists have also been activated to provide vital recovery information and resources to impacted community members in the Lorne area in recent days.

This included vital information about the Great Ocean Road, which was forced to close between Skenes Creek and Lorne for several days following the flood event, before re-opening earlier this week.

VICSES remains on scene supporting communities and recovery agencies with their ongoing work, with VICSES Chief Officer Operations Alistair Drayton discussing the response with affected community members at a meeting in Wye River earlier this week.

As Victoria continues through its high-risk weather season, Victorians are encouraged prepare by clearing gutters, trimming back overhanging tress and understanding the flood risk of their environment. Find your local flood guide by visiting www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/flood-guides.

Community members can also stay up-to-date with any emergency warnings issued by downloading the VicEmergency mobile app and establishing a personal watch-zone for your home or holiday destination.

For VICSES emergency assistance, call 132 500.

Quotes attributable to Alistair Drayton, VICSES Chief Officer Operations

“Our VICSES volunteers have been doing an incredible job supporting their community through the aftermath of what was an unprecedented weather event for this part of the state.

“It’s not uncommon to see increased storm activity during Victoria’s high-risk weather season and an event like this is a timely reminder of the damage which can be caused by both flash flooding and riverine flooding.”