Hundreds of campers were forced to flee a major tourist site after a sudden and severe thunderstorm triggered dangerous flash flooding along Victoria's iconic Great Ocean Road. The dramatic event saw cars swept into the ocean and a key scenic route closed.
Storm Unleashes Chaos on Coastal Community
The emergency unfolded on Thursday afternoon when intense thunderstorms dumped an extraordinary volume of rain on the state's south-west coast. The Bureau of Meteorology recorded more than 170mm of rainfall in a short period, causing the Wye, Kennett and Cumberland rivers in the Lorne area to rise rapidly. An official emergency warning was promptly issued for residents and visitors in the path of the rising waters.
Cars and Caravans Lost in Torrent
The flash flooding had immediate and devastating consequences. At the Wye River camping ground, a popular holiday spot, hundreds of people were evacuated as water surged through the site. Distressing reports and video footage emerged of vehicles being carried away by the powerful torrent. "We've lost everything, you can see caravans floating away," one affected local was quoted as saying, summarising the scale of the loss for many. The famous Great Ocean Road itself was closed due to the damage and danger, severely disrupting tourism and local travel.
Emergency Response and Clean-Up Begins
Emergency services worked through the afternoon and evening to ensure the safety of those in the impacted zone. The focus remains on assessing the full extent of the damage to infrastructure and property along the coastline. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly severe weather can escalate in coastal regions, turning a busy tourist corridor into a disaster zone. Recovery efforts are now underway as the community starts to deal with the aftermath of the sudden storm.
