Murky flood waters from the Murray have already swallowed half a dozen units at Brad and Jenni Panos’ caravan park on the New South Wales-Victoria border, and the couple fear all 60 could go under by lunchtime on Wednesday.

They have chosen to stay and defend their park and home at Barmah, near Echuca, even after an evacuation order over fears many houses in the town of just over 180 people will be submerged.

Some families have packed up their cars and trailers, particularly those who were handed maps with red dots on their house indicating they are likely to go under.

But those still left in the town insist they had no other choice but to stay and fight the oncoming disaster.

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“All of a sudden it’s panic stations,” Ms Panos told AAP.

“Everyone’s doing something to stop this from coming close. Makes it easier knowing you’ve got your back covered, but at the same time we’ve got to stand our ground,” Mr Panos added.

The park has pumps and a flood levy but the couple have been told the water may not recede for months.

They only bought the caravan park in 2020, and after just surviving the pandemic they fear the floods could leave them in serious trouble.

“Possibly we’ll have to cancel our Christmas bookings and it’s probably the scariest part,” she said.

“Damage is damage, but if we don’t have business, we can’t keep the doors open.

“So that’s probably my biggest fear, not surviving through it financially.”

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The local roadhouse is doing a roaring trade as many hungry locals pop in for food and drinks after a long day of sandbagging, which will then stretch into the night.

Year 12 student Kate Francis was meant to be at school for her final day of classes on Tuesday, but instead spent the day preparing the town before her shift at the eatery.

“I’m a bit stressed. I got exams next week so sandbagging and exams don’t go well together,” she said.

“I’m meant to be at school still celebrating. Hopefully we do it in a few weeks.”

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Her colleague Jo Kraft is staying in town because she has nowhere else to go.

Both her daughters have experienced flooding at their homes in regional Victoria and she wants to help the community in any way she can.

“There’s some people that are really scared and other people that are nervous and just waiting to see what mother nature is gonna give us,” she said.

“We got to praise the whole community here. They’ve just got in and helped each other and done a wonderful job.”

-AAP