ID :
152799
Wed, 12/08/2010 - 20:44
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/152799
The shortlink copeid
Vic town of Warrnambool hit by floods
The Victorian town of Warrnambool has been hit by flash flooding as residents across
the state prepare for a three-day deluge threatening to wreak havoc similar to
September's devastating floods.
The State Emergency Service (SES) received around 30 calls for assistance in the
southwest town about 7pm (AEDT) on Tuesday.
An SES spokeswoman said residents have asked for assistance with flooding to front
and back gardens, and over roads, as well as leaky roofs, while the East Warrnambool
football club house has also become inundated.
"There has also been requests for sandbags," the spokeswoman said.
SES operations director Trevor White said moderate to major flooding was predicted
until Thursday.
Up to 100mm of rain is expected to fall from Tuesday afternoon into Thursday.
The forecasts were similar to the floods in September, when several hundred homes
were flooded and hundreds more isolated, he said.
The areas on highest alert include Horsham, Glenorchy, Charlton, Kerang, Rochester,
Seymour, Euroa, Murchison, Shepparton, Myrtleford, Benalla and Wangaratta.
Flash flooding is also possible in the Melbourne metropolitan area.
Mr White said the wild weather could bring high winds and residents should stay
tuned to emergency warnings and updates.
The most important lesson was for people to stay clear of floodwaters, he said.
"Floodwaters are dangerous so people should never walk or drive in flood waters, it
is extremely dangerous."
Flood updates are available at www.ses.vic.gov.au