Heavy rain has continued to impact the south west, with VICSES crews called to two serious incidents in Geelong and along the Surf Coast.

Around 10pm on Sunday, 3 January, VICSES units from South Barwon and Geelong unit attended Deviation Road in Fyansford, after a large landslide, consisting of dirt and trees, occurred.

The landslide blocked both lanes of the major road, and was considered unstable. Regional Roads Victoria closed Deviation Rd at 1am and put traffic directions in place. It remains closed and will be assessed by engineers.

In the same evening, volunteers from the Lorne unit were called to the Cumberland River Holiday park, where flash riverine flooding had taken place. 

Up to 15 vehicles were trapped in flood water around 11pm, with several holiday-makers moving their tents and belongings to higher ground with the assistance of VICSES and Victoria Police.  

Vehicle access was cut to the park, but all visitors were kept safe and remained in good spirits.

Around 3am VICSES’ Colac unit took over command of the incident, monitoring the water, which thankfully had started to subside. From 6am VICSES’ Torquay Unit took over command.

All up, 12 VICSES volunteers supported the operation through the night and into the morning. 

Our dedicated and selfless south west volunteers have been thanked for their efforts in both incidents.

Images: VICSES