Echuca under threat as Murray swells

An evacuation warning has been issued to people in Echuca and the small towns of Balma and Lower Moira. Malay It may peak on Wednesday.

There are concerns that the river level may exceed the 94.77 meters recorded in the 1993 flood.

In recent days, residents of Echuca have built makeshift flood embankments with sandbags to protect thousands of homes and businesses.

Flood warnings have also been issued for towns along the Loddon, Kampaspe and Goulburn rivers.

Residents were told to move to higher ground after massive flooding on Tuesday night in Appin South on the Loddon River and Rochester on the Campaspe River.

Major flooding in Kerang from the Loddon River is expected Wednesday night, with water levels expected to peak at January 2011 levels.

The sandbag dyke is expected to help keep much of the town dry, but could be blocked for up to seven days.

Flooding has begun to recede in the hard-hit towns of Rochester and Shepperton, but Prime Minister Daniel Andrews warned the state’s flood risk was not over yet.

“It will rain more,” he told reporters Wednesday. “Thousands of people still… their houses are full of water.

“Some people can’t go back anymore. It’s a very challenging time right now.”

Up to 400 Australian Defense Force personnel have been deployed across the state to help load sandbags, rescue and deliver supplies to flood-hit communities.

On Tuesday, the state government announced a $5.5 million food relief package to help flood-affected families not go hungry.

Free kindergarten is also available for families in flooded areas, with additional support for seniors preparing for the VCE exam.

The state’s river system is already at its peak, so the weather bureau warns of more rain and an approaching thunderstorm.

Most of the state could receive 5 to 15 millimeters of rain on Friday, with up to 50 millimeters likely to be recorded in the northeast.

Residents are advised to heed flood warnings and evacuate or move to higher ground if necessary.

They should also stockpile medicines and other emergency supplies for power outages and avoid driving through floodwaters, Andrews said.

“That means we have to send a crew to rescue you,” he said. “It’s dangerous for you and for them.”

-AAP