While people continued to work against the flood using sandbags, mops and buckets, other business owners closed their shops and waited for the inevitable.

Despite staff fighting against water seeping in from everywhere, Tormey’s IGA supermarket stayed open for residents to gather supplies.

East Charlton Hotel owner Rick Walklate was one of a few businesses spared from the flood when the Bendigo Advertiser called yesterday.

He said he was confident the hotel would not flood, but was concerned about the cellar.

Mr Walklate said that while people were insured, he was worried insurance companies would not cover the flood damage.

He said business owners were worried about the flooding on Sunday afternoon, but he expected Charlton to flood yesterday after hearing the Avoca football ground was three foot under water.

“All the adults are taking it fairly seriously, but the kids are just carefree,’’ he said.

“It’s certainly the biggest flood I’ve seen here.

“ It’s unbelievable.’’

The first few pews of the community-owned Rex Theatre were submerged after water come up through the floor.

Board member Karl Dejong said the theatre had just had renovations that cost $120,000 done to the roof.

Like the Bendigo Advertiser on Facebook Follow @BgoAddy on Twitter