FEARS of more flooding to follow the current event were allayed on Wednesday when the low pressure system predicted to dump heavy falls across the State didn’t produce the amount of rain expected.
A major flood warning for the Avoca River downstream of Charlton, which includes Quambatook, was downgraded to a moderate flood warning yesterday morning after the region received between one and five millimetres of rain on Tuesday night.
The river at Quambatook is expected to peak between 2.20 metres and 2.30 metres today, which is above the moderate flood level 2.20 metres lower than the earlier prediction of around the major flood level of 2.4 metres.
The State Emergency Service said the event would be similar to the September 2010 flood, which peaked at 2.23 metres, although it said no two floods were the same.
SES community liaison officers spent Wednesday travelling around affected areas and spoke to four property owners closest to the river at Quambatook.
Farmers along waterways have been closely monitoring flood banks and in some cases shoring up banks that have been breached.
A moderate flood warning remained in place yesterday for the Loddon River at Appin South and Kerang.
The river at Appin South was at 2.86 metres yesterday morning and was expected to reach the moderate flood level of 3.10 metres during the day and peak in Kerang above the minor flood level of 77.0 metres above sea level this weekend.
Community meetings occurred at Kerang and Quambatook on Monday afternoon, with more than 130 people attending in Kerang and about 50 people the Quambatook gathering.
There are no community meetings currently planned, however the Bendigo Incident Control Centre continues to be operational.
Water authorities and emergency services are monitoring river heights and predicted weather, including long-term rainfall forecasts, with flood modelling and pre-plans in place for a range of different scenarios.
Emergency services will continue to keep the community informed through official warnings and provide assistance to affected residents.
“We want people to remain alert and monitor the situation but don’t be alarmed,” incident controller, John Breaks said.
Anyone who has been affected by the floods should call their local council or the Victorian Emergency Recovery Information Line (1300 799 232).
For general information, the Flood and Storm Information Line (1300 842 737 or 1300 VICSES) is activated until further notice.
