Sanctuary Lakes, Point Cook: Heavy rains flood stores, roof collapses

Dramatic video shows the moment a roof caved in at a shopping centre in Melbourne’s west during heavy rain on Friday afternoon.

A shopping centre in Melbourne’s west remains closed after heavy rain flooded stores and caused a roof to collapse on Friday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Sanctuary Lakes in Point Cook about 2pm after a leak caused the ceiling in the main foyer to collapse.

A Fire Rescue Victoria incident controller said no one was injured but the damage caused widespread flooding at the centre.

Emergency services attended the scene after flooding caused

A shopping centre has been closed following flooding and roof damage

Stores outside the centre remained open despite soaked carpet, including a pharmacy which continued giving Covid vaccinations outside.

In a statement, Sanctuary Lakes apologised to customers and said the centre would remain closed while emergency services assessed the damage.

“Due to strong downpours and flash flooding in the western area, Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre is temporarily closed,” the statement reads.

“An assessment of the centre is currently underway by the SES and we will reopen tomorrow.”

Local resident Sandy Dixon said it was a disappointing the centre was closed.

“I’ll have to go somewhere else to shop — must have been scary for those inside when it happened,” she said.

Originally published as Sanctuary Lakes, Point Cook: Heavy rains flood stores, roof collapses