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Person’s body found after dog walker was reportedly washed away in floods

Hamish SpenceNCA NewsWire
Not Supplied
Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: Supplied

The heavy floods in Victoria’s south east have claimed a life after a person’s body was discovered by authorities.

Police expressed concern on Monday for a dog walker who reportedly fell into Traralgon Creek, Gippsland.

Officers were told the person was walking a small dog near Whittakers Rd about 5.30am when they appeared to roll up their trousers near the bank of the swollen creek.

A body has been found after police expressed concern for a person and dog in Traralgon. Supplied
Camera IconA body has been found after police expressed concern for a person and dog in Traralgon. Supplied Credit: Supplied

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The witness believed the person and their four-legged companion were then swept away.

Police had been unable to confirm the pair were swept away and had received no missing person reports, but made a grim discovery while searching on Tuesday.

“Sadly local uniform members found a body in Traralgon Creek this morning, not far from where it was reported a person and dog were seen walking along Whittakers Road before being swept away in waters yesterday (Monday),” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

Officers have cordoned off the area and a police search and rescue squad are heading to the scene to coordinate the recovery of the body.

The person is yet to be formally identified and the small dog remains unaccounted for.

Anyone with information or who can assist with identifying the person and dog have been urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Farmland experiencing major flooding in Gippsland. Supplied / Donna Lawless
Camera IconFarmland experiencing major flooding in Gippsland. Supplied / Donna Lawless Credit: News Corp Australia

While areas across Gippsland are still being inundated by heavy rain, flood levels peaked on Monday afternoon and have receded at most rivers.

A moderate flood warning has been issued for the Latrobe River at Thoms Bridge, with water levels expected to remain above 5m for all of Tuesday.

Minor flood warnings are in place for the Bunyip River, Kiewa River, Traralgon Creek, Tarago River and Moe River.

Major flooding at Moe River on Monday affected surrounding farm areas, while up to 50mm of rain were recorded in 24 hours along Latrobe River.

State emergency services have reminded the public to stay away from floodwaters and follow relevant safety advice.

Originally published as Person’s body found after dog walker was reportedly washed away in floods

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