Mr McKay, 88, who is wheelchair-bound, and Mrs McKay 86, left their Midland Highway home at 10.30am and returned at 5pm to find the mess.

Their home of 40 years had been flooded, their garage ripped apart and their fence knocked down.

Pot plants, bins and other items lay submerged in water in their backyard.

The couple were yesterday still in disbelief.

They said the event shook them up a little.

"We could not believe it. It was so quick," Mr McKay said.

"We have never seen anything like this before, but they say it has flooded."

Mr McKay said he could see the water across the road and before he knew it, it was at their doorstep.

The State Emergency Service evacuated the McKay's and took them to the Farmers Arms Hotel where they were then transported by a taxi to the Creswick Town Hall relief centre.

The McKay's daughter and her husband were at the house yesterday to start the clean-up process.

They were without power, but were hoping to get it on as soon as possible.

Across the road from the McKay's, Ted Stewart, 76, was sitting in his car while his family inspected the damage to his home.

"I have lived here for 57 years and have never seen anything like it before. It was just a torrent," Mr Stewart said.