Victoria flood watch: Towns in state’s west on high alert as amid threats in other areas

UPDATE: TOWNS in Victoria’s west still mopping up after floods over the weekend are being warned there is more rain to come.

James Dowling, Elissa Doherty, Brianna Travers and Genevieve Alison

2 min read

September 12, 2016 - 3:52PM

VIC News

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TOWNS in Victoria’s west still mopping up after floods over the weekend are being warned there is more rain to come.

The Bureau of Meteorology this morning released an updated “major flood warning” for the Glenelg River, which forced dozens of people out of their homes in Coleraine and Casterton - about 350km west of Melbourne - when it reached flood levels.

The weather bureau has also issued major flood warnings in other areas around Victoria, including Avoca River, Kiewa River, Loddon River, Murray River upstream of Lake Humen and Snowy River.

While it’s still too early to count the financial cost of flooding across the state, farmers were yesterday surveying the damage.

On the sporting field, there were tales of victory — with Coleraine Netball Club players celebrating two premierships — and hope, with Casterton Sandford Football Club Reserves preparing for this week’s grand final, despite not having an oval to train on.

On Sunday, there was a tearful reunion for Herbet Bettels and his loyal cattle dogs, Blue and Red, who were lucky to survive flooding in Chintin, 75km north of Melbourne.

Blue and Red taking refuge on the car.

The loyal cattle dogs wait for rescue. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Local Chris Sewell rescuing Red. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Herbert Bettels reunited with Red and Blue. Picture: Eugene Hyland

The dogs, siblings from a litter, spent about five hours stuck on the roof of a car in floodwater after Mr Bettels car was swept away while he tried to cross a bridge.

Mr Bettels said he was lucky to be alive today as the torrent of water swept him 100m downstream from the Joyces Rd bridge in Chintin.

He escaped through a car window and swam for his life, making it to the riverbank.

He then walked about 1km with no shoes before he could flag down some help.

“I was worried the dogs were going to follow me into the water, they would have drowned. I told them to stay there. They follow me everywhere they are very friendly dogs — very loyal.”

He said the two farmers who braved the floodwater in a tinny to save the dogs were heroes.

“I just want to thank everyone. The SES and everyone were all fantastic and so professional.”

And Red and Blue are back to their normal self jumping all over Mr Bettels and showering him with affection.

About 10 homes were inundated in southwest Victoria and at least 40 more surrounded by water.

SES spokeswoman Susan Davie said the town could be hit with major flooding tonight with sandbagging being carried out. Picture: Debbie Nolte

More rain is expected in the southwest region tomorrow and Wednesday with up to 50mm forecast for those 48 hours.

Rain is expected in the Murray region later in the week, with fears there could be further flooding in rural areas around Albury.

Casterton’s football oval and racetrack were flooded seeing the day’s race meet cancelled.

And in a blow to the Casterton Sandford Football Club Reserves, who are playing in this week’s Grand Final, they have been left without an oval to train on.

State Emergency Services Public information officer Peter Wall said the river reached its major floodwater peak of 6.1m at 5am.

Two residents evacuated their homes on Saturday night while another fled yesterday morning.

Mr Wall said rescuers went to the aid of a milk truck driver who had been bogged attempting to cross floodwaters on Saturday night.

He said there were a number of local roads closed and asked locals to stay in their homes if they could.

“Because of the rain a number of the roads are really cut up, and the sides of roads have washed away. We are asking people to not go out if they don’t have to and to take extra care on the roads today.”

He also said there was a problem with “rubbernecks” who were attempting to get into the town to gawk at the floodwater.

Emergency Services minister James Merlino will visit the impacted areas today.