Australia’s emergency services issued a stark warning on January 16, 2026, urging residents to “be prepared” for sudden flash flooding and escalating bushfire threats in the country’s east. The alert follows a dramatic flash flood in Victoria’s southwest that swept cars into the sea along the Great Ocean Road, cutting off sections of the iconic route and forcing up to 300 people—many holidaymakers in caravan parks—to evacuate hastily. A child was injured and airlifted to hospital during the deluge, which dumped a local record of 186mm of rain in 24 hours in some areas. Witnesses described the event as eerily silent and rapid, with water rising “all of a sudden” without warning.

The flash flooding came on the heels of catastrophic bushfires that prompted Victoria to declare a state of disaster on January 10. Those blazes, fueled by severe-to-extreme heatwaves, have razed homes, killed one person north of Melbourne, and destroyed or damaged nearly 900 structures, including 289 homes. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch highlighted the whiplash of conditions, stating: “We’ve seen severe-to-extreme heat wave, catastrophic bushfires and now extreme flash flooding in the southwest of the state.” He emphasized that the rapid shifts serve as a “timely reminder that communities need to be prepared for all types of emergencies.”

While flood risks in the affected Victorian areas have eased, authorities remain vigilant about potential renewed downpours that could trigger more flash events. Meanwhile, dangerous bushfire conditions persist in the east, with strong winds complicating firefighting efforts and pushing fire fronts toward additional communities. The Bureau of Meteorology and state agencies continue to monitor for extreme weather, including heavy rain in neighboring regions like New South Wales, where flash flooding is also a concern.

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The dual threats underscore Australia’s vulnerability to intensifying extreme weather, driven by climate patterns that alternate between prolonged dry spells and intense rainfall. Officials stress the importance of personal preparedness, including having emergency plans, staying informed via official channels like VicEmergency or the Bureau of Meteorology, and heeding evacuation orders without delay. Communities are encouraged to stock essentials, monitor updates, and avoid risky travel during warnings.

As the summer season unfolds, this episode highlights the need for constant vigilance. Emergency crews, including volunteers and interstate support, continue battling fires and responding to floods under challenging conditions. Residents in at-risk areas are urged to act swiftly on advice to protect lives and property amid these unpredictable and potentially life-threatening events.

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