The Major Emergency Declaration has now been removed by Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, after it was put in place over a week ago to help deal with the extreme weather experienced in the north and west of South Australia.
Described as a “one in a hundred-year” weather event, the severe storms which hit the Far North of SA saw rainwater submerge places in Port Augusta and the APY Lands.
This resulted in major damage to outback roads, hundreds of callouts to the SES, supply flights launch to support cut-off towns and swift water rescues for individuals caught in the flash flooding.
With the storm now passed, the state has moved onto its recovery phase.
Officers from the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Recovery team met yesterday with Eyre Peninsula councils to discuss the ongoing impacts of the floods and recovery. Preparations for the transition from response to recovery are taking place.
“Key departments responsible for road maintenance are finalising a road repair prioritisation list for tens of thousands of kilometres of sealed, unsealed, access and private roads,” Stevens said.
“A staged re-opening of Stuart Highway continues. One lane is open, with trucks and 4WD vehicles able to travel in one direction at a time, with a maximum speed of 20km/h. I have been advised there are no significant issues at this stage.”
Stevens said repairs to the Marla to Oodnadatta Road are progressing. The road is now open to 4wd traffic, with a view to enable heavy vehicle travel in the coming days allowing access into and out of Oodnadatta.
“The SES is in contact with outback communities including Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta and is monitoring critical supplies,” he said.
“SAPOL have a presence in situ at Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta and is continuing to monitor the situation.
“Two food deliveries totalling approximately 500kg have been delivered to Oodnadatta in the past two days with the assistance of the SES, RFDS and private operators.”
Stevens said he thanks every volunteer, agency and local who helped and continues to help with the efforts in flood affected areas and communities.
“I’m always blown away at how the South Australian community comes together in times of need to help those affected by fire, flood and other emergencies,” he said.
ARTC are continuing to restore rail infrastructure and are on target to complete restoration by 15 February 2022.
SA Health are exploring all options to organise delivery of larvacide to key areas, for use in controlling mosquito breeding.
It is advised to continue to limit travel to or through the affected areas. The Storm and Flood Damage Infoline is active from 9am to 5pm. For those needing the info line, you can contact: 1800 302 787.
If you are planning to travel North at the end of the week, please be reminded many roads are still closed, impassable or dangerous. People can check the status of road closures across South Australia by visiting the Traffic SA website.
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