Flash Flood Warning: Mildura and Kyabram Residents Brace for Impact
Mildura and Kyabram residents are grappling with the aftermath of intense rainfall and subsequent flash flooding. Almost 150 millimeters of rain fell in Mildura over 36 hours, leading to widespread disruption and prompting a surge in emergency calls.
Widespread Flooding and Emergency Response
The State Emergency Service (SES) has been inundated with over 440 calls for help statewide in the past 24 hours, with the Mildura unit bearing the brunt of the demand. SES State Duty Officer Kate Turner reported a significant increase in flood-related requests, particularly after 4 am on Monday. The Calder Highway between Merbein and Wentworth is currently impassable due to flooding.
“We’ve seen a big uptick in flood assistance requests and reports of building damage,” Turner stated. “The situation escalated as people began their day and assessed the extent of the overnight flooding.”
Impact on Daily Life and Agriculture
The flash flooding has already caused delays to the crucial grape harvest in the Mildura region. Irymple resident Brett Whitehead experienced approximately 30cm of water flowing under his house, a scenario reminiscent of a 2011 flood. He expressed a lack of adequate warning before the flooding occurred.
“We weren’t able to do much,” Whitehead said. “We managed to deploy a bilge pump, but its effectiveness is limited.” He anticipates similar damage to his property as experienced in 2022, which required restumping his house.
Further west, in Kyabram, several homes have also been affected by floodwaters. The SES Kyabram Unit has been the second busiest in the state, responding to over 50 requests for assistance in a two-hour period.
Record Rainfall and Safety Measures
The recent rainfall has broken Mildura’s record for the wettest March day, with 83mm falling since 9 am on Sunday, surpassing the previous record of 65.8mm. Residents are urged to take precautions and prepare for potential further flooding.
The SES advises using readily available materials like pillowcases filled with garden soil as temporary barriers. Prioritizing the safety of valuables by moving them to higher ground and developing a flood plan are also crucial steps.
For more information on flood safety, visit the Victoria State Emergency Service website.
Event Cancellations and Recovery Efforts
The first day of the Wimmera field days in Longrenong has been cancelled due to the severe weather conditions. Crews are working to pump floodwater off the site, where water levels have reached as deep as a foot in some areas. Organizers are hopeful to resume the event on Wednesday, pending favorable weather forecasts.
The rain is expected to ease later this evening. Stay tuned to the ABC News website for further updates and information on the flash flood warning.
