High Risk Flood Zones in Melbourne, Victoria
In the early 1800s in Victoria many towns were established in floodplains right near large and small river systems. The benefit of having developments closer to water included access to water, easy transportation and waste disposal. Given Victoria’s high variability with river and water flow these developments have become subject to large flooding incidents that has resulted in water damage to properties and loss of income from affected businesses.
The Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) has a guide about your local flood information that you can use to ensure you are prepared for heavy rainfall. Simply look up your Municipality or Council name and click on the relevant link to view your areas flood information. For example the City of Boroondara as a flood history stating that the major waterways are the Yarra River and Gardiners Creek. It also states that while there have been historic floods to the area the majority of them have been caused by large regional rain events instead of overflowing major waterways. Additionally, localised flooding has been caused by rainfall with run-offs that exceed the drainage capacity on the streets.
These highly detailed reports are extremely useful for homeowners and property owners. With this information you can be aware of any high-risk times throughout the year where additional safety measures may need to be put into place to ensure your property does not get flooded. Scheduling checks to your roofs and gutters throughout the year can also help prevent any severe indoor flooding.
Areas at Risk of Flooding in Melbourne
Below is a list of some of the areas that are most susceptible to flooding throughout the year. For more information on your local area visit the SES website to look up your council.
- Melbourne CBD, particularly near Elizabeth Street
- Kensington
- North Melbourne
- Southbank
The Melbourne CBD is prone to flooding events given the highly developed areas that leave little grass areas for water absorption. When there is heavy rainfall in the city the water will flow naturally to the lower laying areas, particularly near Elizabeth Street. If you have a property anywhere in the Melbourne CBD there are recommendations that you can follow to reduce the risk of a flooding event. In addition to this the Bureau of Meteorology will issue warnings to let the public know about the potential flood threat with the predicted weather.
Minor Flood Warning
- Flood water can reach the top of the river banks
- Water can come up through the drains into the streets
- Water can cover low laying areas and camping sites
- Water can cover minor roads
- Spread across the land and enter some properties
Moderate Flood Warning
- Water can spill over riverbanks and spread across low lying areas
- The water can begin to infiltrate buildings, roads, railways, power and other developments
- Require evacuation in some areas
- Cover the main roads
Major Flood Warning
- Water will cause wide spread flooding in multiple regions
- Water will infiltrate and compromise housing and property structures
- Water will surround and isolate whole areas
- Water will cause disruptions to public transport and major roads
- The flooding will require evacuation in many areas