Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has used his powers under the Emergency Management Act to officially declare a Major Emergency.

The Emergency Management Committee of State Cabinet met today, November 21, and received advice about elevated water flows down the River Murray.

Current modelling shows a high probability of flows of 175 gigalitres a day by early December, with a moderate likelihood of 200 gigalitres a day and a low likelihood of 220 gigalitres a day.

However, as a result of additional rain in the eastern states, the Emergency Management Committee was informed by the Department of Environment and Water of the real possibility of a secondary flood peak in late December or early January.

Should that happen, it will increase the social, infrastructure, environmental, agricultural and business impacts, according to Premier Peter Malinauskas.

“Now that the significant scope of this flooding event is becoming clearer, an emergency declaration is a sensible step to take.

“We do not want South Australians to be unnecessarily alarmed, but we must be alert to the risks as they arise.”

Minister for Emergency Services Joe Szakacs says that as State Coordinator under the Act, the Police Commissioner will have powers to assist in the management of the response and recovery effort.

“Today’s declaration reflects the seriousness of the challenges the sheer volume of water in the Murray will soon pose.

“I encourage all South Australians to follow the advice of emergency services, and for those who live and work along the river to have a plan.”

People wanting more information on the River Murray flood event can call the SA SES flood and storm information line on 1800 362 361 anytime.

Blackwater events in South Australia are still a likelihood and any fish kills observed in the wild should be reported to the FISHWATCH 24-hour hotline on 1800 065 522.