Sale emergency alert as region’s flood damage revealed

State Emergency Service deputy chief operations officer David Baker said at least three homes had been inundated in the area around Tinamba, as early impact assessments continued.

The SES had predicted that up to 130 homes in the region to the west of Maffra could be flooded.

Two people were rescued in Bairnsdale after they attempted to drive a Holden Commodore through floodwater before 6am on Friday, which Baker said was a “disturbing incident”.

After the water entered the car, the pair had to climb on the vehicle’s roof to wait for the SES and Victoria Police to rescue them.

“It is a salient reminder never enter floodwaters, always choose an alternative route,” Baker said.

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Earlier this week, less than 20 kilometres from the edge of the Maffra flood warning zone, the out-of-control Briagolong bushfire destroyed one home and threatened communities.

A major flood warning is current for the Thomson and Broken rivers. Moderate flood warnings are in place for the Kiewa, Latrobe, Mitchell, Ovens, King and Yarra rivers, as well as Seven Creeks.

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