State Emergency Service briefing – Echuca

Authorities have just provided an update on the situation across the state, which included a briefing on rivers in the Loddon Campaspe region. SES controller Tim Wiebusch said the Campaspe River is at minor flood levels, but said there was a chance of renewed rises in Rochester and Echuca.

“We’re certainly not expecting the river levels to get what they were last week.”

“The Campaspe is at moderate flood level cutting roads but the major risk to Echuca now is the Murray River. “It’s currently at 94.77m AHD and is expected to get to 95 to 95.2m.” He said authorities were still urging people to evacuate.

“There is still an emergency warning to evacuate immediately. It’s the highest level we can put it. “We can’t guarantee the levees will hold back the amount of water coming down the Murray at this point in time.”

He said there water would reach Swan Hill by the end of October and reach Mildura by the middle of November. Mr Wiebusch said in Shepparton and Mooroopna water levels may rise to moderate flood levels “in coming days“. “In and around Shepparton and Moorooopna we’re down to minor flood warnings and advice messages to stay informed,” he said.

He said there had been 8300 requests for assistance this month, with 750 rescues across the state. ADF Bridgadier Matt Burr said the army was assisting cleanup in Seymour, Nagambie, Rochester to help ensure schools, hospitals, community centres were okay, as well as assisting vulnerable residents.

“That work will continue into Shepparton and Mooroopna in coming days and we will work with local agencies there,” he said.

Possible moderate flooding in Kialla West

Campaspe Shire Council has posted an update on expected flooding in Echuca over the coming days, saying the peak is expected at 95.3 AHD on Wednesday.

As at Saturday at 8am the river was at 94.75 – above major flood level.

“The river will continue to slowly rise across the coming days,” council said.

“With predicted rainfall, the Campaspe River is also predicted to rise. A flood watch is current, advising of the potential for renewed flooding. The river level at Echuca on Saturday at 9am is 94.49 – moderate flood level.”