UPDATE, 5pm: Residents along the Loddon River are urged to move to higher ground as VicEmergency issues a major flood warning on Friday afternoon.
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Officals say dtrong river rises are occurring aupstream of Cairn Curran reservoir and in the tributaries of the Loddon River.
Moderate flooding is expected at downstream of the reservoir from Friday evening and major flooding is likely to develop at Laanecoorie Reservoir from Saturday morning.
In the 24 hours to 3.00 pm Friday, rainfall totals of up to 65 mm have been observed across the Loddon River catchment.
No significant rainfall is forecast for the remainder of of the day.
Residents are urged to immediately take actions to protect life and property.
What you should do:
- Floodwater is dangerous - never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
- Decide if you will evacuate if it becomes necessary.
- Farmers should move livestock and machinery to higher ground.
- Follow your emergency plan and locate your emergency kit, if you have one.
- Monitor weather forecasts and river levels online by visiting www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings.
- Contact family members and neighbours to ensure they are aware of the situation.
- If you are camping close to a creek or river, you may be at risk of flooding and need to move to higher ground, away from waterways.
If you choose to leave:
- Remember to take your pets, mobile phone, spare clothes and medications.
- Travel to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location, away from flooding.
- Be aware of any road closures when you leave.
If you are travelling:
- Do not enter flooded areas. Turn around and find a safe alternative route.
- Be aware of road hazards including mud, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
If you stay or if it is unsafe to leave:
- Make sure you have enough food, drinking water, medications and pet food to survive for three to five days in case you become isolated.
- Use plugs, sandbags or household items to block toilets, sinks and drains to stop sewerage backflow.
Stay informed - listen to emergency broadcasters and monitor warnings.
Impacts in your area:
- Flooding above floor level of a single-story home may occur in some locations.
- Main roads, local roads and bridges may be closed due to flooding.
- High river levels and potential flooding in areas close to rivers and streams.
- Low-lying caravan parks and camping areas may be impacted by floodwater
- Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au) for road closures and follow instructions from emergency services.
This message was issued by State Emergency Service.
The next update is expected by 10pm or as the situation changes.
Avoca River residents urged to move to higher ground
UPDATE, 11.45am: A Watch and Act warning has now been issued for the Avoca River at Charlton.
Minor flooding is expected in the area from late Friday evening, with moderate flooding possibly developing from late Saturday.
The Avoca is at 3.71 metres and steady, but is expected to exceed the level (4.00 m) late Friday evening.
The river level may reach the moderate flood level (5.90 m) by late Saturday.
Residents in the area are urged to take actions immediately to protect life and property, and move to higher ground.
In the 24 hours to 9.00am Friday, rainfall totals of between 10 and 60 mm have been recorded in the Avoca River catchment.
No significant rain is forecast for the remainder of Friday and into Saturday
What you should do:
- Floodwater is dangerous - never enter floodwater.
- Decide if you will evacuate if it becomes necessary.
- If you are camping close to a creek or river, you may be at risk of flooding and need to move to higher ground, away from waterways.
If you choose to leave:
- Remember to take your pets, mobile phone, spare clothes and medications.
- Travel to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location, away from flooding.
- Turn off gas and electricity at your home or workplace.
- Be aware of any road closures when you leave.
If you are travelling:
- Do not enter flooded areas. Turn around a find a safe alternative route.
- Be aware of road hazards including mud, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
- Floodwater is dangerous - never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
If you stay or if it is unsafe to leave:
- Make sure you have enough food, drinking water, medications and pet food to survive for three to five days in case you become isolated.
- Use plugs, sandbags or household items to block toilets, sinks and drains to stop sewerage backflow.
- Lift it - move valuables and vital household items up on high surfaces, such as on top of tables, chairs, benches and beds.
The next update is expected by 6pm or as the situation changes.
Moderate flooding likely as watch and act warning issued for Loddon River
EARLIER: Significant rainfall overnight has caused the Bureau of Meteorology to upgrade to a moderate flood and Watch and Act warning for residents along the Loddon River.
In the 24 hours leading to 9.00 am Friday, rainfall totals of between 15mm and 65 mm have been observed across the catchment.
Rainfall totals of 10 to 1mm are forecast for the remainder of Friday.
The Loddon River downstream of Laanecoorie is at 1.77 metres and steady, with minor flooding occurring.
OTHER NEWS:
It is likely to reach the moderate flood level (3.00 m) Friday afternoon.
Minor flooding is occurring at Newstead, while similar scenes are likely to develop along the Bet Bet Creek at Bet Bet late Friday morning.
The Loddon River downstream is Cairn Curran is at 1.49 metres and rising, below the minor flood level.
It is likely to reach the minor flood level (2.00 m) on Friday morning.
Residents are urged to be aware of potential hazards caused by flooding and never enter floodwater.
What you should do:
- Floodwater is dangerous - never enter floodwater.
- Be prepared to act if your situation changes.
- If you are camping close to a creek or river, you may be at risk of flooding and need to move to higher ground, away from waterways.
- Review your emergency plan and locate your emergency kit, if you have one.
If you are travelling:
- Do not enter flooded areas. Turn around a find a safe alternative route.
- Be aware of road hazards including mud, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
- Floodwater is dangerous - never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
If you stay or if it is unsafe to leave:
- Make sure you have enough food, drinking water, medications and pet food to survive for three to five days in case you become isolated.
- Use plugs, sandbags or household items to block toilets, sinks and drains to stop sewerage backflow.
- Lift it - move valuables and vital household items up on high surfaces, such as on top of tables, chairs, benches and beds.
Impacts in your area:
- High river levels and potential flooding in areas close to rivers and streams.
- Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au) for road closures and follow instructions from emergency services.
- Main roads, local roads and low bridges may be overtopped or underwater.
- Low-lying caravan parks and camping grounds may be flooded.
- High river levels may cause flooding in areas close to rivers or creeks
The next update is expected by 5pm or as the situation changes.
For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
Current Road and Traffic information is available at the VicRoads website at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au
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Alex Gretgrix
Journalist based in Bendigo, Victoria, covering health and a few local shires at the Bendigo Advertiser. Contact via alex.gretgrix@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Journalist based in Bendigo, Victoria, covering health and a few local shires at the Bendigo Advertiser. Contact via alex.gretgrix@austcommunitymedia.com.au
