By Aaron Cordy
A BATTERING of wild weather that hit the region in recent weeks has continued, placing the community on flood alert. As parts of Seymore and Yea have already been evacuated, sandbagging has begun in parts of Shepparton and surrounding towns.
The storm that threatened to ruin Christmas was backed up two weeks later with damage inflicted by heavy wind and rain ranging from 50mm to 80mm that wreaked havoc on the roads across the region.
The severe rainfall for the last two days didn’t reach its predicted high in Greater Shepparton, but the water slowly making its way down the Goulburn and Broken Rivers that are cause for concern.
There were over 40 incidents where emergency services were called out to rescue people caught in the flash flooding. In many cases, it’s from people unnecessarily driving through the flood water.
“Driving through flood water seems to continue even though we constantly urge the community not to do so. Police and emergency services have to continually put themselves at risk to assist people who do drive through flood waters,” said Emergency Management commissioner, Rick Nugent.
Last Tuesday’s storm saw a downpour and high winds test the strength of trees and homes alike and even had marble-sized hail batter Tatura. With flash flooding across most of Shepparton and surrounding areas. It’s the influx of water that has built-up over these three incidents that has now put the state at risk.
Releases from Lake Eildon have been held at 3,000 ML per day to avoid exacerbating downstream conditions, though this may need to be increased; however, any releases will remain below the minor flood level and will only occur once downstream tributaries are receding, according to Goulburn Murray water.
While the rain has subsided, Kialla, Shepparton, and Mooroopna won’t know the full extent of the danger until the flow reaches town Wednesday afternoon – Thursday morning. Nagambie and Murchison will exceed minor flood levels as we go to print.
Vic Emergency urges people to act sooner and be prepared. If you feel it’s best to leave your home, do so before the water is in the street, if you plan to stay put, make sure you have at least three days’ worth of supplies. Download the Vic Emergency app to stay informed.
