CENTRAL Victorian communities worst hit by the 2011 floods are reflecting on what occurred 10 years ago this week.
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More than 30 per cent of the Loddon Shire was affected by the floods, which the council said were second only to the 1909 floods in scale.
The clean up bill just for council-managed infrastructure in Loddon Shire amounted to more than $30 million.
Water volumes at the Laanecoorie Reservoir spillway rose during the flood's peak rose to levels nearing half of Melbourne's yearly water consumption, at 194 gigalitres a day.
The flood was reported to be 90 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide, at its peak.
"We join those members of our community who will take some time this week to reflect on the event," the Loddon Shire Council said in a statement.
It said the 2011 floods delivered many challenges, but also demonstrated the strength and resilience of the people and communities in Loddon shire.
"We know that many members of our community were impacted by the 2011 floods," the shire's statement said.
It encouraged community members needing support to reach out to a doctor, a mental health professional, or Lifeline.
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Newbridge was the first Loddon community affected by the flood, followed by Bridgewater.
Other hard-hit central Victorian communities included Carisbrook, Charlton, Rochester and Echuca.
Parts of the state recorded rainfall totalling 100-300mm between January 9 -15.
It was Victoria's wettest January on record.
Rochester SES unit controller Judith Gledhill said the 2010 and 2011 floods would stay with her forever.
"I remember the phones ringing off the hook, the town of Rochester split in half by floodwater, and nobody having the use of their showers or toilets in that time," Ms Gledhill said.
She said the unit received support from SES volunteers from other areas, along with CFA.
"We all learned some important lessons around keeping the community informed and providing positive, proactive messages - not just want we want people not to do," she said.
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said the sector had learned a lot since the 2011 floods and made significant improvements to its emergency flood response.
Ms Gledhill encouraged people to have sandbags prepared and to put them in toilets, showers, and doorways in the event of a serious flood. She said people should put their valuables up high and leave safely.
If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.