Emergency services in the Australian state of Victoria are grappling with a dual environmental catastrophe, as severe flash flooding along the surf coast coincides with a continuing bushfire emergency.
‘Unprecedented’ Flooding Hits Holiday Coast
Authorities have been forced to defend the timing of emergency warnings issued to holidaymakers after an intense weather system dumped 180mm of rain on Thursday. The deluge, described as an "unprecedented weather event," caused the Wye, Kennett and Cumberland rivers to burst their banks, leading to dramatic flash flooding.
Cars were swept into the ocean and caravan parks were inundated, with images showing go-karts and park benches submerged in muddy water. The event led to around 400 people being displaced from their homes and campsites, with dozens of vehicles written off.
Fire Crisis Continues Amid Flood Warnings
Even as communities mop up from the floods, the state remains in the grip of a separate fire disaster. Ten major fires are still burning across Victoria, with officials confirming that more than 1,000 structures have been lost. Among the destruction are 289 homes.
Firefighters have stated that the blazes of January 2026 were remarkable for their speed and ferocity. A satellite visual guide illustrates the vast scale of the devastation, particularly from the Longwood bushfire.
Further Severe Weather Forecast
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued further warnings, predicting more flash flooding across southern parts of New South Wales and Victoria in the coming days. This places additional strain on emergency resources already stretched thin by the ongoing firefighting efforts.
The situation presents a stark reminder of the increasing volatility of Australia's climate, where communities can face competing extreme weather threats simultaneously.
