A Black Hawk helicopter has successfully retrieved 14 vehicles that were swept into the sea following unprecedented flash flooding in Victoria.

In the wake of last week’s torrential downpours, authorities commenced recovery operations for the vehicles on Thursday morning at Wye River and Cumberland River, located along Victoria’s picturesque Surf Coast. The severe weather had unleashed chaos, leading to significant challenges for the local communities.

According to an update from Victoria’s State Emergency Service issued before midday, 12 vehicles were skillfully recovered from the Cumberland River and an additional two from the Wye River. This operation was a critical step in addressing the aftermath of the floods.

All retrieved vehicles have been safely transported to a designated car park, ensuring they are secure and out of further harm’s way.

In order to facilitate the operation, the section of the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Skenes Creek was temporarily closed. This allowed the Black Hawk helicopter to efficiently remove the vehicles stranded by the surging surf. The road was reopened to the public early Thursday afternoon, restoring access along this vital coastal route.

The coordinated effort by Victoria’s State Emergency Service highlights the resilience and responsiveness of emergency teams in the face of natural disasters.

The salvage operation took about three hours.

“And whilst there has already been two salvaged from the shallow shore break at Wye River, there is another two that we know of in below the surf,” SES chief officer Alistair Drayton said.

A number of caravans had also disintegrated under the surface of the water, he said.

Vehicles were lifted to a car park on the road and then trucked to another area for owners or insurers to inspect.

The helicopter was organised by marine salvage experts who Parks Victoria use when vessels run into trouble along the Great Ocean Road.

More than 178mm of rain fell in the area over a period of six hours last Thursday, with the Lorne station registering its highest 24-hour reading since records began in 1884.

Cars washed into the surf after flash flooding near the Wye River last week. Source: AAP / Michael Currie

Hundreds of people were displaced, with a child injured and flown to hospital.

The area is a popular tourist spot, welcoming thousands of holidaymakers over school holidays.

Water quality in the area has returned to normal, Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority confirmed on Wednesday.

Risk to human health from swimming is considered likely to be low, but the regulator cautioned people to wear gloves, goggles and rubber boots while cleaning up.

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