The South Australian State Emergency Service (SASES) today issued updated Flood Emergency Warnings for the Upper and Lower River Murray as the peak reaches the Lower Lakes, with the risk of safety and isolation continuing with strong currents and debris in the water.

Flows

Peak flows have now reached the Lower Lakes.

The following locations in the Lower Lakes are either at or near peak:

• Meningie (Lake Albert)
• Milang (Lake Alexandrina)
• Clayton Bay (Lake Alexandrina)
• Goolwa & Hindmarsh Island marina (Lake Alexandrina)
• 
  

For the latest flow information, please refer to the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) website https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/river-murray-floods and River Murray flow reports.

Flooding

Despite peak water flows being reached across the upper and lower River Murray, floodwater will remain high for many weeks. If you plan to stay:

• make sure you have enough essentials such as food, water, fuel and medications. Emergency services will not be able to resupply you
• do not let children play in or near floodwater or drains
• do not walk, ride or drive through floodwater

With forecast strong winds across this weekend, some minor river level rises may be observed south of Mannum including the Lower Lakes.

If you see any defects or have concerns regarding the safety or integrity of a levee, contact the South Australian State Emergency Service on 132 500.

Mapping

A River Murray Flood Mapping Tool is available on the SASES website. People with properties along the River Murray in South Australia can use this tool to check if their properties may be impacted at the examples of 180GL and 200GL per day flow rates.

Power

People are reminded not to go within 50 metres of electricity lines standing in floodwaters.

Restrictions have been implemented to help keep people safe from electrocution and electric shock and to help minimise the potential for disconnection of power supply for River Murray communities.

If you see a downed or low powerline stay well clear and report it immediately to SA Power Networks on 13 13 66.

Emergency Management Direction

The first Emergency Management Direction in relation to the River Murray flood came into effect just after midnight on 4 January 2023.

The Emergency Management (River Murray) (No 2) Direction 2022 came into effect at 1pm on 12 January 2023.

As per South Australia Police, the river between zones A and F is still prohibited except for those with a permitted purpose to be on the river (including speed restrictions).

The minor change to Direction No 2 is in zone G and H:

• People operating a vessel cannot go faster than 4 knots when they are within 250m of a dwelling or building where it is partially or wholly submerged.

The restriction on accessing the water within 250m of the Paringa Bridge has been partially relaxed. People can now use a human powered vessel downstream of the bridge with no restrictions, however you must not be operated within 250m upstream, or under the bridge.

Motorised vessels can’t go within 50m upstream or under the bridge

For more information about the Direction, visit:

https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/emergencies-and-safety/river-murray-flood/murray-river-direction

Roads and Ferries

There are numerous roads and ferries temporarily closed along the River Murray. Most bridges across the river remain open.

Conditions can change quickly, and roads may have to close at short notice. Locals and river-goers are reminded not to swim, ride, walk or drive through high flow waterways.

Please check https://www.traffic.sa.gov.au for the latest road closure information.

Rising river levels have also impacted infrastructure such as boat ramps, irrigation, and power along the river. For the latest updates visit https://www.sa.gov.au/floods

Shacks

SASES has a Fact Sheet for shack owners here: https://www.ses.sa.gov.au/public/download.jsp?id=191304

House Boats

Houseboat owners and operators are being urged to monitor River Murray water levels and flows to ensure their vessels remain safe and secure during the state’s ongoing flood event.

As conditions continue to change remember to:

• regularly check that the mooring location of your houseboat remains suitable
• inspect tether lines to reduce the risk of becoming grounded or of serious movement
• wear a lifejacket while making inspections.

A SASES fact sheet, with tips on how to safely secure your houseboat, can be downloaded here: https://www.ses.sa.gov.au/public/download.jsp?id=191953

Further information can also be found on the Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s Marine Safety SA website at https://www.marinesafety.sa.gov.au/

Relief

A number of Emergency Relief Centres are open. The centres provide short-term shelter, information and personal support services such as food and temporary accommodation for those unable to make their own arrangements.

Murray Bridge Ramblers Football Club, 1 Ramsay St, Murray Bridge

Berri Senior Citizens Club, 9/12 Crawford Terrace, Berri (Monday to Friday only)

Mannum Football Club, 28 Belvedere Road, Mannum

People can attend in person from 9am to 5pm or call the Relief Information Line on 1800 302 787.

For more information, visit https://www.sa.gov.au/floods

Sandbag Locations

Sandbag locations are open 7-days a week at the following locations:

• Mannum Football Club, 45 North Terrace, Mannum
• Murray Bridge Showgrounds, 113 Old Princes Highway, Murray Bridge

Sandbag location opening hours are subject change depending on weather. Hot weather forecast may cause times to change. Stay up to date by visiting the SASES website https://www.ses.sa.gov.au/incidents-and-warnings/sandbag-locations/

Stay informed: 

• Check the SES website at www.ses.sa.gov.au
• Monitor local conditions and tune in to your local ABC on a battery-powered radio for updates
• Call the SA Emergency infoline on 1800 362 361
• People who are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, can contact the SA Emergency infoline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 727 (TTY users 1800 555 677)
• Follow the SES on Twitter (@SA_SES) or Facebook (SA State Emergency Service)
• For weather warnings and forecasts visit www.bom.gov.au
• For SES assistance phone 132 500. If the matter is life-threatening call 000 (triple zero).