Tensions rise in Rochester after floods

FRUSTRATED Rochester flood victims are beginning to feel the strain as they enter day six of the state’s flood crisis – and are still without power, gas or running water for toilets.Carlie Logie, 26, said her mother’s Mackay Street home had been among the hardest hit after the Campaspe River burst its banks on Friday.Ms Logie said she was “appalled” by the lack of communication from emergency services and council after the family lost everything to the rising waters.“We had no warning or indication of when to leave, how high the water would be, and where we could go for help,” she said.Ms Logie said a passing army vehicle collecting neighbours was the first sign that the street was being evacuated.“Other than updates on the internet, which we can’t access due to the power being out, and media reports, there’s been no other information,” she said.As the family now moves back into its devastated home, Ms Logie said a better system was needed to keep residents updated about when power, gas and sewerage would be restored, as well as how to apply for government grants or help.“I really feel for the elderly or people with no family in Rochester because the assistance and communication has been really bad,” she said.Campaspe Shire Mayor Neil Pankhurst said he felt for the Logie family and others doing it tough, but said the council was working around-the-clock to ensure the reconnection of damaged services.“We expect sewerage to be back up tomorrow (Thursday, January 20) and I have been informed that power has also been restored to the majority of the town as of today, with more homes expected tomorrow.”