Dozens of residents have been evacuated after a massive storm led to flooding throughout Creswick on Wednesday evening.
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According to the SES, 93 callouts were made in Creswick alone, with an overnight relief centre quickly established at the Doug Lindsay Reserve with support from the Salvation Army.
In Ballarat, there were 212 callouts, mainly for flood and building damage, as well as trees down.
Some roads around Creswick are still closed as of Thursday morning.
At a Creswick public housing complex, only four of the 32 apartments were unaffected by flooding, with about half a metre of water outside the buildings at one point.
Workers are removing carpet and other furniture on Thursday morning, after residents spent the night at the relief centre.
One resident, Graham Walker, said he was "absolutely devastated", but was "so appreciative of (his) community and the workers" helping out.
Another, Russell Castley, said he had asked for all carpet to be removed from his apartment after Creswick's last major flood - he said he intends to return to his flat tonight, after dashing back and forth to keep an eye on his neighbours at the relief centre.
"There's been a wonderful response from those who can offer assistance," he said.
In town, shops on the northern side have begun the cleanup, with flash flooding quickly inundating roads and buildings.
There may be more rain coming through the Ballarat district later this afternoon, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, with the chance of another possibly severe thunderstorm.
IN THE NEWS
Ballarat recorded 46.8mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am Thursday.
In an emergency, phone the SES on 132 500 - never drive through floodwater.
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