UPDATE 12:30PM: BIRCHIP'S flash flood warning has been lifted.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A state emergency service spokesperson said the immediate threat has passed.
They reminded residents to be mindful of hazards, which included floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads or fallen trees.
The spokesperson said a relief centre at the Birchip Leisure Centre has remained open.
EARLIER: Birchip residents have been forced to evacuate their homes after a flood warning was issued on Thursday night.
Emergency Victoria released the warning at 11pm when over 85 millimetres of rain had fallen across 12 hours. The Weather Bureau reports in the 48 hours to 9 this morning, a total of 167 millimetres fell on the town. They expected another 25 millimetres.
A State Emergency Services spokeswoman said the heavy rainfall caused localised flash flooding, which affected 20 houses in Birchip.
The spokeswoman said 10 people were forced to evacuate.
“Of the 20 homes affected by the rainfall, we know that all the floors have been flooded,” she said. “A sandbag collection point was set up at 89 Cumming Avenue to minimise the flood damage.”
Birchip Leisure Centre was also acting as a relief centre for people affected by the floods.
Birchip is one of many Wimmera towns to have recorded its heaviest rainfall for the year over the past few days.
Woomelang and Hopetoun were also heavily affected by the deluge, recording 48 hour totals of 145mm and 106mm respectively.
Other two day rainfall totals:
Warracknabeal: 73mm
Edenhope: 57mm
Natimuk: 35mm
Kanagulk: 28mm
Dimboola: 27mm