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Victoria Hit by Record Flash Flooding, Hundreds Displaced

1/17/2026

41 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Unprecedented flash flooding in Victoria, Australia, on January 15, following a record rainfall of over 180mm in six hours, displaced 200–400 people, mainly holiday-makers in caravan parks.
Cars were washed into the ocean.
The Bureau of Meteorology linked the rainfall to ex-Cyclone Koji.
Emergency services reported one injury and a child was airlifted to safety.
Clean-up efforts are expected to take weeks as further rain is anticipated.

History

Historical Context

In January 2011, Victoria, Australia, experienced severe flooding due to intense rainfall exceeding 200mm, affecting over 1,730 properties and displacing thousands. This disaster followed earlier floods in September 2010 and was exacerbated by the strongest La Niña event since 1973. The ongoing impacts highlight the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience and emergency preparedness.

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Story summary

Unprecedented flash flooding in Victoria, Australia, on January 15, following a record rainfall of over 180mm in six hours, displaced 200–400 people, mainly holiday-makers in caravan parks.
Cars were washed into the ocean.
The Bureau of Meteorology linked the rainfall to ex-Cyclone Koji.
Emergency services reported one injury and a child was airlifted to safety.
Clean-up efforts are expected to take weeks as further rain is anticipated.

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