The first peak of River Murray flood waters has been deemed to be a high risk of flooding for low lying areas in the lower Murray from Mypolonga to Tailem Bend, with a Flood Watch and Act - Prepare to Evacuate warning issued.
The State Emergency Service said late Friday morning that there is a high risk of flooding for low lying areas between Mypolonga to Tailem Bend, including Murray Bridge due to rapid river level rises that may threaten public safety. The alert states:
"Regardless of your property's ability to withstand flood impacts there is a chance you may become flooded or isolated. If you remain in the area you may become trapped without water, power and other essential services. You should now prepare to evacuate. If the situation worsens it may not be safe to leave. It may be too dangerous for emergency services to assist you.
"You should evacuate to stay with family, friends or alternate accommodation in areas unaffected by flooding. You should make arrangements now for where you will stay when you need to leave."
Those unable to find accommodation are being urged to go to the Emergency Relief Centre at Mannum Football Club, Belvedere Ave, Mannum where support and emergency accommodation can be arranged.
Meanwhile the South Australian government has eased planning laws to allow temporary accommodation or storage to be erected to basic standards without the usual planning delays. Landholders must notify council of the works and have 28 days (or more if permitted by Council) to submit a development application. The change only applies in River Murray councils of Renmark Paringa, Berri Barmera, Loxton Waikerie, Mid-Murray, Karoonda East Murray, Murray Bridge, Alexandrina and Coorong.
Planning Minister Nick Champion said on Friday:
"It’s critical that residents, particularly families with young children, have the option to live and work within their local area if it safe to do so.
"We have listened to councils and fast-tracked these changes to provide another way for locals to have somewhere to stay."
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