Victoria weather: storms, flood rescues and hundreds of reports of building damage

Woman has narrow escape after falling into flooded drain in Daylesford, as central Victoria and western Melbourne hit by flooding and building damage

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Victoria’s emergency services fielded almost 500 requests for help as thunderstorms, damaging winds and heavy rain pummelled Melbourne’s western suburbs and the centre and east of the state.

There were close to 250 reports of building damage and 110 flood-related incidents in the 24 hours to 7am, the State Emergency Service said.

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