Parts of Victoria, Australia, were left devastated on Thursday after an intense bout of flash flooding triggered by unprecedented rainfall. The coastal communities of Wye River and Lorne bore the brunt of the extreme weather, with dramatic footage emerging of cars being swept into the ocean and popular campgrounds completely submerged.
Record-Breaking Deluge Causes Chaos
The crisis began when the region was hit by a staggering 180 millimetres of rain in just six hours. This extraordinary downpour proved to be historic for the town of Lorne, where it set a new one-day rainfall record. The deluge exceeded the previous record of 123.2mm, which was set as recently as 30 September 2021.
Widespread Flooding and Damage
The sheer volume of water overwhelmed local river systems, causing significant flooding. The Wye, Kennett, and Cumberland rivers all burst their banks, sending torrents of water through the area. Visual evidence from Wye River and Lorne showcases the full extent of the destruction, with properties damaged and infrastructure severely tested by the powerful floodwaters.
Aftermath and Community Impact
The immediate aftermath saw emergency services assessing the damage and beginning clean-up operations. The flooding of campgrounds and the loss of vehicles into the ocean highlight the sudden and dangerous nature of the event. Such extreme weather incidents serve as a stark reminder of the powerful forces of nature and the increasing challenges posed by climate volatility to communities worldwide.
