By Tyler Wright
The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges saw flash flooding on Tuesday 25 October, with the border of Upwey and Tecoma reportedly experiencing almost 94.6 millimetres of rain.
A gauge off Glenfern Road is also believed to have received 133 millimetres of rain, with locals taking to social media to share the footage of motorists driving past a flooded McNicol Road in Tecoma.
It is also understood some residents have experienced significant damage to homes and property, with those affected reaching out to their insurance providers for information.
Emerald SES Unit Controller Ben Owen said crews received 34 calls for assistance in Upwey and Tecoma, with flooring, carpets and property damaged due to the flash flooding.
“The Ferny Creek creek which runs in behind Upwey, Tecoma and Belgrave rose very quickly and inundated properties and houses” Mr Owen said.
“Speaking to one homeowner, they didn’t even have time to move their cars, so they had all three cars that had water in the floor pan…
“They didn’t have time to move the cars out of a ticket to a higher spot. It was just so fast and rapid.”
Emerald SES crews also attended a landslip at Upwey High School, causing the closure of a footpath and blocking an entryway for school buses.
Mr Owen said there are concerns future landslips caused by saturated earth may cause traffic hazards and structure damage.
“The forecast over the long weekend (Monday, Tuesday) is not going to be great, so there’s going to be a heightened concern in that space again,” Mr Owen said.
Greater Dandenong and Nillumbik units also attended to assists Emerald SES crews for what Mr Owen called a one-in-four year flash flooding occurrence.
“Generally, we think that we’re okay being in the hills, but when this water comes down so quick, and these little creeks and streams just can’t deal with it, it can overflow into properties,” he said.
With more flash flooding over the Christmas period, Mr Owen is reminding people to avoid any moving water on roads and stay well away from hazardous materials.
In a social media post, Yarra Ranges Council said on Wednesday 26 October several landslips impacting roads and access to properties had been reported, including in Kaola Street, Belgrave Centre Road, Upwey, Marchant Avenue, Upwey, Sandells Road, Tecoma and Blackwood Street, Upwey.
“We’re working through a significant number of calls for assistance due to flash flooding, drainage issues and road closures after heavy rainfall yesterday saw 65mm of rain landing in Lilydale at a rate as high as 120mm per hour,” the post read.
“If you have to travel it’s recommended that you check the latest emergency advice at www.emergency.vic.gov.au and the latest road conditions/closures at https://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/ before you leave.
“Fallen trees, overflowing drains and safety issues on roads can be reported to Council on 1300 368 333.”
