UPDATE
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AFTER rain poured down in Ararat on Wednesday afternoon, attention has now turned to the clean-up of the aftermath left behind.
Ararat State Emergency Service deputy controller Jan Rilloraza said the emergency service crew received 15 requests for assistance.
“The calls were mostly just requests for sandbags and general assistance with flooding,” he said.
“The key thing we have taken out of this is for people to be more storm prepared and aware. Even though it is bushfire season, storms can hit and hit hard."
Ararat SES are manned by volunteers and Mr Rilloraza said when needed, it’s fantastic to see the community banning together.
"We would like to thank employers that released our members during to help during the storm and also Stawell SES for providing us a crew as well,” he said.
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 37mm of rain on Wednesday, more than 5mm more than the overall February average.
Ararat College was hit hard during the rain event, creating some mayhem at the education precinct.
College business manager Coralie Whitworth said insurance assessors, who attended the school on Thursday morning, praised the quick thinking of staff and students.
“As soon as the downpour happened, the staff and students were phenomenal,” she said.
“They grabbed brooms and tried to block the path of the water. The assessors said the hard work has probably saved thousands of dollars in damages.”
Mrs Whitworth said many members of the school community were in attendance well into the night.
“Chris Barwick, our grounds person was here until about 7pm on Wednesday night cleaning up after doing his best to clear drains from debris and keeping them clear so the water had somewhere to go,” she said.
“Everything is now drying out and most of the clean up has been done.
“Part from a little bit of mud that is around we really just have to wait until everything dries out.”
EARLIER
A heavy downpour of rain has resulted in flash flooding in Ararat on Wednesday afternoon.
Several Ararat residents have put through calls for assistance as roads fill with water.
"We are experiencing a flood event within Ararat, so far we have had eight requests for assistance," an Ararat SES spokesperson said.
"The message for people is to stay out of flood waters where possible"
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for heavy rainfall for people in East Gippsland and parts of Central, Mallee, South West, Northern Country, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera Forecast Districts.
The downpour also resulted in several trees falling on Pomonal Road, with Stawell SES responding to clear the way.
Lightning strikes in the area have put firefighters on alert.
More to come.
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