More warnings over SA Murray flooding
SES crews in Adelaide have responded to hundreds of calls from home owners after rain and flooding. Photo: AAP
Financial counselling and emergency cash is now available for people living in flood-affected communities along the River Murray in South Australia.
The state government is working with non-government agencies to provide direct support from Monday as more people face warnings to leave their properties.
That includes financial advice and small amounts of cash for emergency living expenses such as food or fuel.
The help comes amid the latest flood warnings for residents.
A number of watch and act messages remain in place along sections of the Murray including low-lying areas of Tailem Bend and Murray Bridge, east of Adelaide.
On the weekend there was a breach in the levee at Ponde, while a levee protecting the hotel at Overland Corner was reported to be failing.
About 4000 properties along the length of the Murray in SA are expected to be inundated, with more than 1100 flooded so far.
The high-water mark is likely to hit Renmark, near the Victorian border, between Christmas and New Year and then reach Murray Bridge by January 17.
Peak flows are still forecast to be between 190 gigalitres and 220 gigalitres a day.
They are then expected to drop back to about 150 gigalitres a day by February, allowing clean-up work to begin.
The SA government has provided a $51.6 million assistance package, including support for tourism and other businesses, as well as direct emergency payments to homeowners.
The flood event will be the worst in SA since the Murray rose to record levels in 1956.
– AAP