VicEmergency press conference and flood update

A Bureau of Meteorology representative said Victoria has experienced its wettest start to January in history.

The first nine days of the month have already placed this January among the top 20 wettest on record, even without further rainfall.

She said the forecast indicated isolated storms on Friday, January 12, and Saturday, January 13, expected to be less severe than recent weather events.

A generally settled trend is anticipated into next week, providing some relief from the constant downpour.

SES chief operations officer Tim Wiebusch said Rochester residents have been advised it's safe to return, although minor flooding is still occurring.

Floodwaters have moved into Echuca, with a peak at minor flooding levels expected later today.

Mr Wiebusch said the situation is not anticipated to reach the heights of the 2022 floods.

In Murchison, the flood peak is expected this afternoon, while in Shepparton, Kialla, and Mooroopna, river levels continue to rise, with a predicted peak of 10.7 meters by Friday.

He said VicEmergency had door-knocked approximately 300 properties in Shepparton, Kialla, and Murchison to ensure community awareness and preparedness.

Mr Wiebusch said there would be “less than a dozen direct impacts in and around homes”.

The News spok to the man in charge of the Shepparton Incident Control Centre, incident controller Ray Jasper, about the comments following the press conference.

Mr Jasper maintained that no Shepparton or Mooroopna homes would flood.

“We have checked all the floor levels,” he said.

Mr Wiebusch went on to say sandbag collection remains available at the Shepparton Showgrounds for those needing to safeguard their homes and businesses.

He said the hardest-hit areas are still Yea and Seymour, with Seymour reporting seven businesses and 11 residential properties affected by above-floor flooding.

The situation in Rochester is currently under assessment.