Echuca residents have frantically sandbagged doorways in historic High Street tonight,as a second flood peak expected from tomorrow could affect as many as 2000 homes.
Floodwaters from the Campaspe River peaked in Echuca at 96.25 metres above mean sea level late yesterday and have very slowly started to recede back to around 96 metres today.
“But it is still going to be at that major flood level for another 24 to 48 hours,” SES Victoria chief Tim Wiebusch said earlier today.
“That means there is still around 1200 properties that are either isolated or some levels of inundation,either on the property and a number of homes above floor.”
SES and CFA volunteers formed a human chain outside The Black Pudding Cafe this afternoon,working quickly to sandbag the interior of the business.
Outside,sandbags lined the doorways and front steps of dozens of buildings,as the town prepares for the Murray River to peak at 95 metres above mean sea level.
The Port of Echuca was all-but deserted late today,and most cafes,restaurants and pubs have now closed. An evacuation order was issued for parts of Echuca,and Echuca Village.
Residents in areas that surround the Campaspe River,and in Echuca Village,have been warned to evacuate the area immediately.
Emergency Management Victoria is warning that anyone in affected areas who chooses to stay could become isolated for a number of days,and emergency services workers may not be able to assist them.
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