Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Monday, 4 January, 2016. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Local driver trapped in flash flooding highlights danger: VicSES

VICSES volunteers responded to more than 170 Requests for Assistance (RFAs) between midday yesterday and 6am this morning. The majority of calls related to trees blown down by strong winds, as well as some instances of minor damage to buildings, with Seymour in the state’s northeast and Frankston in the metropolitan area the hardest hit.

Most seriously, flash flooding led to three reports of trapped vehicles – two in the Seymour area and one in Murchison.

Victoria Police have confirmed that a man drowned after apparently driving into floodwater on Delatite Road in Seymour just after 2am. The car was taken by the water and swept into a nearby creek. VISES volunteers attempted to rescue the man.

A Minor Flood Warning remains current for Hughes Creek in the Goulburn Catchment.

VICSES reminds everyone to never drive, walk or ride through floodwater. It is dangerous and unpredictable.

VICSES also advised that rainfall run-off into waterways in recently fire-affected areas may contain debris such as soil, ash, trees and rocks. People in fire-affected areas should also be alert to increased potential for landslide and debris on roads.

Originally published via ses.vic.gov.au