Severe flash flooding has transformed Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road into an emergency zone after intense thunderstorms dumped record rainfall across Victoria’s coastal regions. Popular holiday destinations including Wye River, Lorne, Kennett River and Cumberland River were hit hard, with floodwaters rising rapidly within minutes.

According to emergency authorities, sudden river surges swept cars, caravans and debris through caravan parks and residential areas, with several vehicles carried directly into the Southern Ocean. The flooding forced urgent evacuations as campers and tourists scrambled to escape rising water levels.

Weather officials confirmed that parts of the region received more than 170 millimetres of rain in just a few hours, overwhelming drainage systems and causing rivers to burst their banks. Sections of the Great Ocean Road were closed in both directions as water, mud and fallen trees made travel extremely dangerous.

Emergency crews, including State Emergency Service teams and police units, were deployed across the affected areas to assist evacuations and assess damage. Helicopters were placed on standby as authorities responded to reports of vehicles being swept away by fast-moving currents.

Power outages were reported across multiple coastal communities, leaving thousands without electricity as floodwaters damaged infrastructure. Local businesses, homes and tourist facilities suffered significant disruption as cleanup operations began while weather conditions remained unstable.

Authorities have urged residents and visitors to avoid flood-affected zones, warning that conditions could change rapidly with further rainfall forecast. Emergency warnings remain in effect as damage assessments continue and recovery efforts are expected to take several days.