During the crisis our photographers took to the air to survey the disaster, which affected thousands of homes and business across the region.

The floods ended what became known as the Millennium drought, with heavy rain recorded from September 2010 through until January 2011 thanks to a La Nina weather pattern. Rainfall totals of 100-300 millimetres were recorded.

There was flash and riverine flooding throughout central Victoria, mostly along the Avoca, Loddon and Campaspe rivers. Carisbrook, Rochester and Charlton were among the towns hardest-hit.

The water eventually flowed north and caused lasting problems for the Kerang district.

A state government review later put the damage bill at $1.3 billion.

The disaster prompted a major overhaul of the state's flood mapping and preparations, including the construction of new levees to protect properties.

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