The state emergency services (SES) issued an emergency alert for the Murray River as water flows into the state hit the major flood threshold, warning of impending floods that are projected to inundate thousands of homes in South Australia.
Peak water flows of between 190 and 220 gigaliters per day have reportedly approached the border with NSW and Victoria, according to the SES.
“Peak water flows of 190 GL/day to 220 GL/day range have now reached the South Australian border. Water levels consistent with these flows are already being observed. These higher levels have raised the River Murray to Major Flood and the river will remain at these high levels for some weeks,” the SES said in a statement on Friday.
The emergency alert area is for the river from the border to Lake Alexandrina
According to a report by ABC news on Friday, the river from the border to Lake Alexandrina is an area under emergency alert. Residents of the alert area are advised to make preparations for flooding by the SES.
“Regardless of your property’s ability to withstand flood impacts, there is a chance you may become flooded or isolated. You should consider leaving – if you remain in the area you may become trapped without water, power, and other essential services,” Friday’s statement said.
”If you live on the edge of the warning area, you should use local knowledge to assess your risk and stay aware of your surroundings. You should consider your trigger for leaving. As the situation worsens it may not be safe to go, or your road to safety may be underwater. It may be dangerous for emergency services to assist you,” it added.
SES won’t be able to supply essential items such as food, water, and medicines
The services also noted that the area will continue to experience flooding for several weeks, so if individuals intend to stay, they should have a sufficient supply of necessities like food, water, and medications on hand since SES won’t be able to provide them.
At Mannum, roughly 200 kilometers southwest of Renmark, the Murray River is anticipated to reach its highest point on January 7. In the upcoming weeks, the Guardian said that over 4,000 properties along the river are projected to be flooded. On Saturday morning, there were power outages in about 3,260 homes. According to South Australia’s premier, Peter Malinauskas, some impacted residents stayed in emergency housing.