George El-Hage, Otway Flood (DOCO 2026)

The flash flooding in the Otways, Victoria in January, was driven by record-breaking rainfall. Up to 180mm of rain fell in 6 hours, causing severe damage to coastal towns along the Great Ocean Road. The flood occurred shortly after summer bushfires, which increased the runoff. Holiday-makers had their cars, caravans, and tents washed away with some vehicles swept out to sea. The Cumberland River, Lorne and Wye River Holiday Parks were severely impacted, prompting major emergency services rescues and subsequent cleanup operations.

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