’LEAVE NOW’: TOWN THREATENED BY FLOODS
RESIDENTS in a South Australian riverside town have been urged to evacuate as flood waters threaten lives and homes.
At 1.30am on Thursday, State Emergency Services SA issued an emergency warning to locals adjacent to the Mary Ann Reserve in Mannum due to flooding.
“Flooding is expected to impact the road to your property from flooding of the Mary Ann Reserve. Due to a stormwater infrastructure failure there is a possibility the levee may fail,” the message read.
“Regardless of your property’s ability to withstand flood impacts, there is a chance you may also become flooded.
“You need to enact your flood emergency plan now. If you do not evacuate you may be isolated or flooded.”
SES said it could become too dangerous for emergency services to help those who do not evacuate.
Residents in the affected area were urged to leave, if they were certain the path was clear to a safer place.
People in the area unable to find accommodation after evacuating, can call the SA Relief Information Line on 1800 302 787, where support and emergency accommodation can be arranged.
It comes a day after an emergency warning was also issued for Cowirra, opposite Mannum. “Flooding is expected to cause isolation to your property within 24hrs due to deterioration and flooding of East Front Road and Hunter Road, Cowirra,” the warning read.
On Thursday morning, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas (inset) said the peak is expected to pass through
Loxton over the coming week.
The SES estimates as many as 255 businesses and 4000ha of agricultural land will be inundated.
At least 1100 properties have been flooded, with that number expected to rise to 4000 in coming weeks.
Mr Malinauskas said challenges remain for Riverland and Mid-Murray communities despite river levels starting to recede behind the peak.
“With the peak expected to pass through Loxton and possibly as far as Morgan over the coming week, we urge people to stay safe, have a plan and listen to advice from emergency services.”