Traralgon evacuates again with more flooding fears

Fresh alerts have been issued for rain-soaked Traralgon, as tens of thousands of Victorians remain without power.

An evacuation order has been renewed for Traralgon Creek, with major flooding possible from this afternoon.

The warning comes as over 64,000 households around Victoria still remain without power as wild storms and floods continue to batter the state.

Everyone in the Traralgon Creek area must evacuate and travel to a safe location away from flooding.

A relief centre is open at the Traralgon Basketball Stadium, in Garibaldi St, Traralgon.

Rainfall of 5 to 15mm are forecast for the Traralgon Creek catchment throughout Saturday.

Renewed rises are now occurring in the upper catchment of the creek, with minor to moderate flooding likely to develop.

Derek Harman and his daughter Charlotte look at the floodwater over Canal Rd in Sale. Picture: David Caird

Floodwater over Canal Rd from a flooding creek at Port of Sale. Picture: David Caird

Sale remains flooded, with heavier rainfall tipped for Saturday afternoon.

Moderate flooding continues along the Thomson River, with flood levels likely to remain until Sunday.

Sale residents are being urged to contact family members and neighbours to ensure they are aware of the situation.

Minor flooding is also occurring at Wandockda.

FLOODS SHUT HIGHWAY

The South Gippsland Highway has been closed after a flood warning was issued between Sale and Longford.

The road is closed between the May and York Street intersection in Sale and the Rosedale and Longford Road intersection in Longford.

Moderate flooding is now occurring at Sale, while rainfall totals of 65 - 150 mm have been recorded in the Thomson River catchment.

The South Gippsland Hwy closed to Longford. Picture: David Caird

The Thomson River at Sale Wharf will likely remain above the moderate flood level of 3 metres during Saturday.

There are now over 130 road closures around Victoria, with the wild weather causing major disruption to the state’s transport network.

Some of Victoria’s major roads including the South Gippsland Highway, Melba Highway, Maroondah Highway (B360) and Mount Macedon Road are now closed.

The majority of the road closures are due to flooding or severe weather damage.

Motorists have been advised to seek an alternative route in affected areas and allow for extra travel time.

They have been urged to avoid areas impacted by severe weather.

WOMAN DIES IN FLOODS

A second Victorian is believed to have died in floodwaters.

The body of a missing 20-year-old woman was discovered by search and rescue police on Friday.

Her body was found in floodwaters in Glenfyne, near Cobden, about 10.40am.

Nina Barake went missing from Simpson on Wednesday.

Search and rescue police found the body of Nina Barake on Friday.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the woman’s death are yet to be determined but police are not treating it as suspicious,” a police statement said.

Friends of Ms Barake have posted tributes online.

“She meant the world to me, she was just so incredible,” one friend said.

Others described Nina as “one of a kind” and a “gorgeous” girl.

Ms Barake was with her four beloved dogs at the time of her death.

The Barake family are well known within the Simpson area, with Nina’s father, Joe Barake, running his own handyman company.

FLOOD WARNINGS FOR VICTORIAN RIVERS

Several moderate and minor flood warnings are now in place around Victoria.

A moderate flood warning has been issued for Latrobe River, Thomson River and the Yarra River.

This means flooding will inundate low-lying areas, main traffic routes may be impacted, and an evacuation of affected areas could be necessary.

In rural areas, the removal of stock is required.

Minor flood warnings have also been issued for the Avon River, Bunyip River, Gippsland Lakes, Mitchell River, Snowy River, Werribee River.

An initial flood watch has also been issued for parts of Gippsland.

MAYOR PRAISES COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson said the Traralgon community has listened to the flood warnings from authorities.

Sharon Gibson. Picture: NCA NewsWire

“I’m at the relief centre as we speak and there isn’t as much of a major need, people have taken heed of the evacuation notice and are staying with family and friends,” Ms Gibson told the Herald Sun.

Ms Gibson said the community has rallied together in face of the latest disaster.

“People have been so kind and caring, people from neighbouring areas are helping, everyone is just pitching in and helping out.

“It has been really heartening to see.”

The Latrobe City Mayor has urged people to donate to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund to support people in Traralgon who have been impacted by the floods.

Donations can be made by heading to gerf.org.au/donate.

VICTORIANS CALL FOR HELP

A Victoria State Emergency Service spokesperson said over 8100 requests for assistance have been made since Wednesday.

The busiest crews are in Lilydale, Emerald, Woodend, Maroondah and Frankston.

The spokesperson said current COVID-19 movement restrictions do not apply to people affected by Victoria’s floods.

“We are telling people who are impacted by the current floods they can travel more than 25 kilometres,” the spokesperson said.