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Parts of Australia are experiencing some of their heaviest rainfalls in decades which has raised fears that the Murray River could reach its highest levels in 50 years.
The recent heavy rains in regional Victoria have emergency services predicting the river will reach a flow of up to 120 gigalitres a day – a flow that hasn’t been seen since 1975.
The South Australian Government has responded by sending a team of engineers and SES food planners to check the key levees in the area to ensure they are ready for what’s to come.
As the areas are assessed, upgrades and emergency works will be undertaken in those of concern and will be monitored.
Authorities have been clear that by preparing early they fully expect to be able to handle the incoming water and that major towns in the Riverland region shouldn’t experience any severe repercussions but to be vigilant and aware all the same.
Levees in areas such as Renmark are equipped to handle up to 130 gigalitres of water per day but engineers will this week be checking for inconsistencies and flagging any maintenance that may need to be done.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, SA Premier, Peter Malinauskas, actively encouraged visitors to head to the Riverland and support the local community but just to take additional care when doing so.
Other parts of South Australia are today bracing for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms with the Olympic Dam Highway currently closed due to flooding between Pimba and Woomera after the region copped a downpour yesterday.
Adelaide is expected to see the low-pressure system and rains pass through from Friday.
Stay up to date with current warnings via the SA SES website and Facebook.
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