The river hit a peak in the Durham Ox area yesterday, spilling into farms that had been hit hard by the drought.

Steven and Sally Maxted’s house in Whytecross Road was surrounded by floodwater yesterday.

Mr Maxted said he was able to walk out of his property yesterday morning but not drive.

He said he had no idea how long his house would be isolated but he assumed floodwaters would peak last night.

“It’s a bit surreal to see it like this,’’ he said.

Mr Maxted said his parents’ farm was also under water but he hadn’t been able to leave his house to see it.

Loddon Shire Council chief executive John McLinden said no houses were inundated by the flood.

Mr McLinden said the council had provided sand and bags, while SES and local volunteers filled them to protect properties.

He said several roads in the area were closed.

Mr McLinden said people in Durham Ox, Serpentine and Bridgewater had a big-clean-up ahead, with debris scattered on roads.

“So far it hasn’t affected any buildings except for the Bridgewater caravan park,’’ he said.

“A significant amount of properties have gone under water.’’

Mr McLinden said despite the flooding the community was happy.

“Overall I think the community is quite pleased with the rain,’’ he said.

“Hopefully this is the break in the drought.’’

North Central Catch-ment Management Authority chief executive Damian Wells said the Loddon River would continue to flood until it reaches Kerang on Thursday or Friday.

“But we haven’t got large concerns for Kerang,’’ he said.