THERE are fears that Charlton could be flooded more severely than during the drenching it received in September last year.
A community meeting late yesterday afternoon informed residents of the latest flooding update of the Avoca River.
The Bureau of Meteorology upgraded to a major flood warning for the Avoca River yesterday, after up to 24mm was recorded in the Avoca catchment. Rain between 50mm and 80mm was forecast for last night and into today.
The river at Yawong Weir exceeded the major flood level of five metres at 4.30pm yesterday and was rising. At Charlton, the river was at 6.8 metres, and expected to exceed the moderate flood level overnight.
Buloke deputy mayor David Pollard, who lives at Charlton, said the town was preparing for another flood after suffering floods in September last year.
“There’s a lot of concern happening out there at the moment,’’ he said.
Cr Pollard said it was unknown when the river would peak because it depended on how much rain fell overnight.
SES regional manager Graeme Poulton said residents in flood-prone areas of Charlton should be prepared.
“It could be quite significant depending on how much rainfall occurs,’’ he said.
“Charlton is at risk with significant concerns that the events of September, where the town was inundated, could be reached or even exceeded.’’
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