Storms and strong winds caused widespread damage, flash flooding and resulted in major flooding across eastern Victoria. On 27 June, major flood warnings were issued for the Boisdale and Stratford areas, Traralgon areas, Gleneldale and Bairnsdale areas and Glenmaggie area. By 29 June, the Bureau of Meteorology had issued 11 flood warnings (4 Major, 5 Moderate and 2 Minor) across the Gippsland region. Victoria SES (VICSES) received more than 1500 requests for assistance since 6am on 27 June, including more than 700 across metropolitan Melbourne, primarily for storm damage, and more than 500 across Gippsland primarily for flooding, leaking roofs and tree damage. High incident areas were Lilydale, Emerald, Croydon, Knox, and the Gippsland area. One man was killed in Mt Macedon when a tree fell on his home. The VICSES, Victorian Police, East Gippsland Shire, the Catchment Management Authority and Red Cross held a community meeting on 28 June to discuss relocation options ahead of the impending floodwaters on Raymond Island. A community meeting was also conducted in East Gippsland on 29 June for Lakes Entrance residents to discuss the possible flooding to business and residential areas. Residents in flood affected Gippsland areas were advised to evacuate, including Raymond Island, Burrabogie Island, Loch Sport and the caravan park at Hollands Landing. VICSES assisted relocation of residents at caravan parks at Stratford and Bairnsdale. Relief centres were established at Paynesville, Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance and Sale. Helicopters supported by SES flood rescue boats were used in Newry and Tinamba to move people to safety. Flooding was reported in all houses in Tinamba. On 30 June, fourteen houses were flooded on Raymond Island with a further 23 houses at risk. Flood rescue boats were used to deliver food to the flood isolated communities. Isolated communities included Swan Reach, some parts of Raymond Island, Burrabogie Island and parts of Paynesville. Sandbagging operations were focussed on the Gippsland Lakes area and Lakes Entrance with more than 54000 sandbags filled. Seven hundred and fifty VICSES volunteers were mobilised from across the state to respond to the event, with approximately 200 deployed in Gippsland. The VICSES was supported by over 200 workers from support agencies including Country Fire Authority (CFA), Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria Police and Red Cross. Local councils also supported flood operations. A joint CFA and VICSES incident management team was established at Bairnsdale. An additional coordination centre was established in Melbourne. Satellite mapping technology and aircraft imagery was used to monitor flood water levels. The Department of Human Services warned residents in flood affected Gippsland Lakes area to take precautions from contaminated flood waters. Further information can be obtained from the Victoria SES website at www.ses.vic.gov.au |