Flash Flood Warning Issued for Bunyip River and Dandenong Creek as SES Handles Dozens of Calls
A flash flood warning has been issued for the Bunyip River and Dandenong Creek today. The State Emergency Service warns of possible minor to moderate flooding after heavy rainfall affected parts of central Victoria; accumulated totals in some catchments may be significant.
Flash Flood Warning: Risks and safety advice
The flash flood warning highlights elevated risk around rivers, creeks and low-lying waterways. Residents in affected areas are being urged to take precautions now to reduce harm and property damage.
- Expect areas around rivers and streams to be at risk of flooding, with local roads potentially closed and low bridges impacted.
- Supervise children closely near waterways and keep pets secure away from river edges.
- Cyclists and walkers should avoid tracks next to waterways; riverbanks can subside without warning.
- Canoeists and other recreational users are urged to avoid flood waters entirely.
- Monitor local guidance for road closures and use official emergency channels, including the emergency hotline 1800 226 226 (free call) and the official emergency app.
SES workload and local impacts
Emergency crews were already stretched after a week of bad weather. One regional unit logged 40 calls for help over a week, with a single busy day involving multiple requests for assistance. Flood-related jobs included water entering homes—often caused by blocked drains—trees down across roads and inundation on major local routes.
In one instance crews assisted with pumping water from the loading dock of a large supermarket in Kilmore; the water did not enter the store interior but the docks were inundated and drains were blocked. Fire brigade units provided heavy pumping support on that job.
Following heavy rain over the weekend and into Monday, crews received a further 30 calls for help encompassing flooding and building damage. Road authorities and police were deployed to place warning signs where roads were inundated.
What residents should do next
With the flash flood warning in place and emergency services remaining busy, residents should take practical steps now:
- Move vehicles and valuables from low-lying areas where possible.
- Clear gutters and check drainage around properties to reduce the chance of water entering buildings.
- Avoid walking or driving through flood water; even shallow flows can be deceptive and dangerous.
- Stay informed official emergency channels and heed local road closure advice from traffic authorities.
Details and conditions may evolve as weather patterns change. Emergency services continue to respond to incidents across the region and urge residents to remain alert, follow safety guidance and report urgent threats to life or property through emergency contact lines.
