Gippsland flooding: Body has been found in a flooded Traralgon Creek

A Gippsland community is mourning one of its own, after a 57-year-old woman was swept away in floodwaters.

An emotional tribute has been penned by a son mourning his mother, after police identified the body of a woman found in a flooded Gippsland creek.

Mari Cao, a 57-year-old Traralgon woman was described by friends as a “sweetheart” who had been out walking her dog on Monday morning.

Son Cameron said in a post on Facebook he was “so sorry” he wasn’t there to help his mum.

“I love you so much and I am begging for whatever is there to let you in so you can enjoy heaven and peace,” he wrote.

Cameron confirmed his mother was dragged away by the current while trying to cross a bridge at 5.30am Monday morning.

“She was found just upstream from where she fell,” he wrote.

Kristy Tormey, a friend, said Mari was a “loving mother” to two boys and a “lovely grandmother”.

“She will be dearly missed by all who new her,” she said.

Tributes have gathered at the site where Mari was swept away, a sign of a community in mourning.

Local police found the body in Traralgon Creek on Tuesday morning, not far from where it was reported a person and dog were seen walking along Whittakers Rd.

The small dog remains unaccounted for.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and police will prepare a report for the coroner.

A watch and act alert was issued for areas surrounding the Latrobe River on Tuesday morning, with moderate flooding expected to continue and the river rises above 5.15m.

Sehan Stapleton captured some incredible aerial photographs of Lang Lang on Tuesday morning.

A Victoria SES spokeswoman said catchments in the Gippsland region peaked on Monday afternoon.

Most rivers in the area were now receding, she said.

“Alerts still remain for areas surrounding the Latrobe River, while the Moe River, Tarago River, Bunyip River and Traralgon Creek have been downgraded,” she said.

The Latrobe River at Thomas Bridge is expected to remain above the moderate flood level of 5m, while downstream of Traralgon, the river is currently at 3.8m and expected to reach 4m by Tuesday afternoon.

The flooding along the river and its catchment is mostly affecting farming properties in low-lying areas.

The Princes Freeway is closed and traffic is being diverted. Some local roads are also closed.

The spokeswoman said rivers in the area have “stabilised” with rain forecasts for the remainder of today not expected to increase river levels.

“SES personnel are keeping an eye out for later in the week where we may see more flooding on impacted areas,” she said.

“At this stage there is no potential for further rises.”

Other parts of Gippsland have also battled severe weather.

River level rises have been observed and major flooding has developed along the Moe River, particularly in the Darnum area.

Jarrod was on his way home from work on Monday when he saw the state of the Moe River.

“It was raining all night in Moe. I work in Drouin and it was only spitting but when I arrived in Warragul it definitely was stronger,” he said.

Lachlan Jarrod captured the Moe River between Darnum and Yarragon as he was on his way home from work on Monday morning.

Geoff Sheriff lives in Buln Buln East and said they had had “lots of rain”.

“We live on higher ground so we are not as affected as I’m sure others are,” he said.

“What I can say is that the rain has been consistent since yesterday morning and still going.”

Megan Platschinda captured the Narracan Creek in Moe, full of water after persistent rain.

Concern is mostly for farming areas rather than major townships. With advice being to move cattle and livestock to higher ground if possible.

At 11pm on Monday, a exposure warning for sheep graziers in Gippsland was cancelled.

Residents have said the flood levels are reaching and even exceeding the fence lines on their paddocks.

The Moe River at Darnum exceeded the major flood level at 4.6m early on Monday morning.

Advice issued from VicEmergency is:

What you should do:

• Floodwater is dangerous – never enter floodwater.

• Decide if you will evacuate if it becomes necessary.

If you choose to leave:

• Remember to take your pets, mobile phone, spare clothes and medications.

• Travel to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location, away from flooding.

• Turn off gas and electricity at your home or workplace.

• Be aware of any road closures when you leave.

If you are travelling:

• Do not enter flooded areas. Turn around and find a safe alternative route.

• Be aware of road hazards including mud, debris and damaged roads or bridges.

• Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.

If you stay or if it is unsafe to leave:

• Make sure you have enough food, drinking water, medications and pet food to survive for three to five days in case you become isolated.

• Use plugs, sandbags or household items to block toilets, sinks and drains to stop sewerage backflow.

• Lift it – move valuables and vital household items up on high surfaces, such as on top of tables, chairs, benches and beds.

• You should stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.