More communities impacted by Victoria's ongoing flood emergency can now access disaster relief, just as flash flooding hit the Mornington Peninsula.
Residents there were warned to stay indoors and away from floodwaters as a severe thunderstorm caused havoc on Monday.
A watch and act alert was issued for Mount Martha, Mornington, Hastings and Dromana as heavy rainfall caused localised flash flooding and building damage.
Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) chief officer Tim Wiebusch said volunteers responded to more than 550 calls for help, of which 318 were for flooding incidents, 104 for fallen trees and 44 for building damage.
He said Mount Martha and Mornington were hit with 40mm to 50mm of rain over the space of a few hours and about 38 inland water rescues were made.
"A range of the rescues this morning have been people attempting to drive through flash flood waters but also (people) seeing water levels rise around their houses very, very quickly," he told ABC TV.
Mr Wiebusch also said there had been significant downpours in the state's northeast overnight, including 60mm to 70mm of rainfall in some areas.
Major to moderate flood warnings have been issued for several waterways around the state as rainfall from the weekend added extra pressure to already full catchments.
The state's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) issued a fresh plea for communities in northern Victoria to stay away from flood waters after finding low levels of the bacteria E. coli in major waterways at Swan Hill, Rochester and Echuca.
"Just because E. coli levels are low does not mean that there is no risk to health," according to EPA Chief Environmental Scientist Professor Mark Taylor.
"We're being cautious because the situation is highly variable.
"Floodwater should be treated as contaminated water as it can be contaminated from naturally occurring sources as well as overflowing sewage or septic tanks, or agricultural or industrial wastes and chemicals."
Water testing will be expanded to look for traces of other contaminants including pesticides, arsenic and copper.
From Monday communities in East Gippsland, Mildura, Hindmarsh, Towong and the Southern Grampians can apply for federal and state flood assistance.
Employees and sole traders in those areas are eligible for 13 weeks of income support while authorities and primary producers in those regions can access hardship grants to cover the clean-up or other associated costs.
Residents impacted by floods in the Yarra Ranges in Melbourne's east can also now access one-off payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per child.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said the money was intended to help with short term recovery while authorities consider what long term help is needed.
VICSES has received more than 13,500 requests for assistance in the past month since severe flooding hit Victoria.
