Two Rescued From Floodwaters South of Bendigo

Emergency crews rescued two people and their pets after rising floodwaters trapped them at Lockwood South following heavy rain across the Bendigo region.

Two people and their pets have been rescued from rising floodwaters at Lockwood South, south of Bendigo, following heavy rainfall across Central Victoria. Emergency services responded after floodwaters rapidly increased in the Lockwood South area. The incident occurred as significant rain affected parts of the Bendigo region and prompted warnings for possible flash flooding. The rescue highlights the speed at which localised flooding can develop following heavy rainfall. Roads, properties and low-lying areas can become difficult or impossible to access when water levels rise quickly. Emergency crews were called to assist the people who had become affected by the floodwaters. The rescue also involved their pets, adding another consideration for emergency responders working in difficult conditions. The incident comes during a period of widespread heavy rain across Central Victoria. Authorities have issued flood warnings for parts of the region, with some areas recording substantial rainfall over the weekend and into Monday. The Bureau of Meteorology and emergency authorities have been monitoring river and creek levels as further rainfall creates the possibility of additional rises. For residents around Bendigo and surrounding communities, the situation is a reminder that floodwater can become dangerous quickly. People are urged not to drive through flooded roads or enter moving water because depth and current can be difficult to judge. Even relatively shallow floodwater can move vehicles or sweep people off their feet. Emergency services therefore encourage residents to follow official warnings and avoid unnecessary travel through affected areas. The Lockwood South rescue also demonstrates the importance of having emergency plans in place during severe weather. Residents in flood-prone locations may need to move to safer areas before roads become cut off. Pet owners can face additional challenges during emergencies because animals may need to be transported at short notice. Keeping pets secure and having essential supplies ready can help households respond more quickly. The heavy rainfall has affected a broad part of Central Victoria, rather than Bendigo alone. However, the Lockwood South rescue is particularly relevant to the Bendigo community because it occurred close to the city and required local emergency services to respond. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and may issue additional warnings if rainfall causes further flooding. Residents should remain alert to changing conditions, particularly near creeks, rivers and low-lying roads. Floodwaters can remain hazardous even after rainfall begins to ease because water levels may continue rising downstream. The rescue was completed safely, but emergency services remain prepared for further incidents as weather conditions continue. This is a new and unique Bendigo-area emergency story published on 10 August 2026. I have excluded Bendigo weather, court listings, property results and the general V/Line disruption because they do not meet your requirement for a separate substantive local news story.