A total of 26.2mm fell between 8am and 6pm on Sunday, but the damage was done in a short deluge in the late afternoon.

Figures from the Bureau of Meteorology show that a 9mm downpour occurred in Swan Hill between 5.30pm and 6pm.

It was a case of deja vu for many Campbell Street businesses, after a similar flash flooding event when 12.8mm fell in a 17-minute burst on November 10.

Sun Centre Travel manager Rona Ianucci said she was frustrated by having to complete another clean-up of her business.

"I don't know how we can solve this problem. Every time it rains, we're going to get to flooded," she said.

"Part of our carpet in front was wet again and one computer was damaged.

"If it rains again this week it's going to be the worst Christmas present I'm going to get."

Further down Campbell Street, the carpet and some stock at Tracey's Emporium became water-logged.

Owner Tracey Morton said it was the first time the entire shop had flooded.

"I'm not sure how much (stock) is lost yet. When it's flooded there's always been a bit of water in the storeroom but never in the store," Ms Morton said.

For more on this story, see Wednesday's edition of The Guardian (December 21, 2011)