Shepparton Incident Control Centre brings information about the current situation about rivers and flood levels in Northern Victoria, Shepparton in particular. Information about donations, hardship payments, translation assistance at relief centres and finding help for mental stress, family and domestic violence situations is also given.
Current Situation
Small increases in some river heights, due to scattered rainfall in the past few days are becoming apparent. Continued releases from Eildon and Hume dams, combined with existing flood waters, will slow the reduction of water levels across the Goulburn and Murray systems.
No significant rainfall is expected for the next 4 or 5 days across the Northeast of the state. Please be aware that streams and rivers may rise quickly even with small amounts of rain due to saturated catchments.
GOULBURN RIVER:
Moderate flooding is occurring downstream of Lake Eildon and at Trawool and Seymour. Moderate flooding may occur between Seymour and Shepparton. Goulburn River at Shepparton may reach 10.7m overnight Thursday into Friday
MURRAY RIVER
Moderate flooding is occurring at Albury and Corowa.
Moderate flooding is likely at Yarrawonga and Tocumwal.
Please be aware of trees falling unexpectedly. Their roots are sodden making them very unstable. Never park or take shelter under a tree when it’s windy.
Parks, hiking tracks and campgrounds are closed due to flooding. To find out more go to https://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/safety/flood-affected-parks
Should you remain isolated or cut off and require food or medical supplies please call SES 132 500 Refer to the SES website for information on flood preparedness https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/
Relief and Recovery
There are relief arrangements available for those affected by flooding.
Shepparton Showgrounds (Relief Centre) Cnr of Benalla Rd and Thomson St Shepparton
Operating 24 hours a day.
Pets, caravans, campervans, trailers & tents all accepted.
Health services available on site: First Aid, Doctor, Nurse, Mental Health and access to medication.
Nathalia
Community Centre 42 Robertson St, Nathalia
(Relief Centre)
9.00am – 5.00pm daily. After hours phone: 0497 717 147
Shepparton Recovery Centre:
Senior Citizens Centre
132 Welsford Street
Shepparton
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 – 4pm
Thursday 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Community meetings:
Barmah and Lower Moira
Saturday 5 November, 11am
Barmah Community Hall
Schier Street, Barmah
Disaster relief payments
Personal Hardship Support – visit https://emergencypayments.dffh.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 457 170 between 8am-5pm
Multicultural Communities
Ethnic Council have staff at Relief Centre in Shepparton. Translation assistance is available on site.
Translating and Interpreting Service 131 450 (free call). Ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
National Relay Service 1800 555 677 (free call) Ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline. Should you remain isolated or cut off and require food or medical supplies please call SES 132 500 Refer to the SES website for information on flood preparedness https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/
Translated Health Information Fact Sheet
Returning Home After A Flood
For local guidance and translation on going home after a flood, see Ethnic Council of Shepparton guidance
Translated guidance is also available to help with returning home after a flood
For information on actions to take when returning home from a flood and other relief information visit https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief
Health Information
Stagnant Water
If you have concerns about the smell of black (stagnant) water or sewage leakage around your property, please contact the EPA (1300 372 842) or Goulburn Valley Water for assistance. Never eat fish caught from the flood water.
Gastro
In flood affected areas, there have been an increase in cases of gastro causing people to become unwell. To prevent Gastro, always wash your hands after going to toilet, before eating, preparing food or cleaning your teeth, etc.
Health advice for flood related illness and injury.
Mould Management
Flooding, excess moisture and pooled water can cause mould growth in your home. This may be a health risk to you and your family. When returning to your home after a flood, be aware of any visible mould or musty smell. High mould levels are likely if the house has been flooded for more than two days.
The following people should avoid being present during post-flood cleaning or repair works: children (under 12 years, particularly infants); pregnant women; people over 65 years of age; those with weakened immune systems, allergies, severe asthma or lung disease.
Assume your home is contaminated with mould when: it has been flooded for more than two days; you can see mould; there is water damage; there are strong, musty odours.
The more extensive the contamination, the greater the risk of exposure during clean-up. Consider using professional cleaners if the affected area is large. If you decide to remove the mould yourself, make sure there is good ventilation and wear protective clothing such as a shower cap, rubber gloves, eye protection, overalls, suitable footwear and a P1 or P2 face mask.
More information:
After a flood: mould and your health
Mosquito
Mosquito’s do not breed in initial flood waters. As flood waters drop the water left behind for extended periods which does not move, is a perfect breeding ground for mosquito’s.
Mosquito-borne diseases are transmitted by mosquito bites. They cannot be transmitted from person-to-person.
Simple actions to prevent mosquito bites are the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
- Limit time outside especially at dusk and in the evening when lots of mosquitos are about
- Wearing mosquito repellent containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin. For kids and babies, apply repellent to their clothes, rather than their skin
- Covering up and wearing long loose-fitting clothing
- Using ‘knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat outdoors
- Removing any flying mosquitos from inside your house eg with fly spray
To reduce mosquitos around your home:
- Consider using a residual spray outdoors in areas where mosquitos rest
- Cut back long grass
- Empty unsealed pots, bird baths or tyres that can hold water
- Ensure your water tank is fully sealed
More information:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/mosquitoes-can-carry-diseases
Asbestos Warnings
If you have a house of age, please be wary of asbestos in your home. Asbestos may be uncovered by flood waters. Please contact your local council for advice on management of asbestos in your home. See here for more
Disposal of Used Sandbags
Please refer to your local council website for information regarding cleaning up after a flood, including disposal of used sandbags.
Road closures and travelling in the area
Information 13 11 70 or the VicTraffic website
https://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Donations
Please only donate non-perishable food. No prepared cooked food. Furniture, toys and clothing items are to be donated to charity shops. For Donations to Relief Centres, please to go Greater Shepparton – How you can help
Health Information
Be aware that mosquito borne disease hazards are present so please cover up and use repellent.
In flood affected areas, there have been an increase in cases of gastro causing people to become unwell. To prevent Gastro, always wash your hands after going to toilet, before eating, preparing food or cleaning your teeth, etc.
Health advice for flood related illness and injury.
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-advisories/health-advice-for-flood-related-illness-and-injury
Emergency Recovery Victoria
Flood Recovery information and support for people and communities affected by floods.
https://www.vic.gov.au/october-2022-flood-recovery
Health, Mental Health and Family Violence
Wellways Shepparton offer free wellbeing assistance. For help, call 5822 8600 or 1300 375 330
Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in Victoria.
It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions following a distressing event. There is always help available through: Your doctor or local mental health professionals
Lifeline – 131 114
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
MensLine – 1300 789 978
Kid’s Help Line – 1800 55 1800
Download this Community Newsletter for Friday 4 November 2022
Image Credit: Victoria SES
