East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Tom Crook said flash flooding in Buchan yesterday was devasting for the Buchan community and people holidaying in the area.

Police have reported deaths of a woman and a man.

Cr Crook said his thoughts went out to the family and friends of both people (yet to be formally identified) who were located deceased by police on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Bureau of Meteorology reported almost 88mm of rain was recorded in one hour,and almost 70mm in 30 minutes, yesterday.

Police reported that emergency services were called to Cave Road just after 5pm Tuesday after reports of flash flooding. Police were told a number of vehicles in the Buchan Caves Reserve campground area were under water and a number of people were safely retrieved from a nearby bridge.

“Yesterday the Buchan Hall was opened by community volunteers as an assembly area for information and basic refreshments as outlined in the Local Incident Management, which was much appreciated,” Cr Crook said.

“Last night Council was requested to establish a relief centre at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve (Bairnsdale)to receive people transferred from Buchan by bus. The relief centre was operating by very early morning and had 27 people staying overnight. The relief centre closed this afternoon.

“There is significant local damage to both private and public infrastructure. Initial investigations show that 27 roads have been impacted, but further updates can be provided when the full extent of the damage is assessed.”

Buchan Caves Reserve will remain closed.

Cr Crook thanked emergency service workers, volunteers and contractors involved in helping those in need during this most recent emergency and significant weather event.

“I urge landholders and visitors to take care and please adhere to warnings, road closures and advice provided by emergency services across the shire.”