Emergency warning issued as River Murray flow reaches major flood level

South Australia’s State Emergency Service (SES) has issued a flood emergency warning for the River Murray as water flow into the state has reached the major flood level.

It says flows of between 190 and 220 gigalitres of water a day have reached the border with NSW and Victoria — the rate predicted for the peak this week.

The emergency warning area is for the river from the border to Lake Alexandrina, and the SES says people there should be prepared and consider leaving. 

“If you live in the warning area, you should now prepare for flooding,” the service said.

“Regardless of your property’s ability to withstand flood impacts, there is a chance you may become flooded or isolated.

“You should consider leaving — if you remain in the area you may become trapped without water, power and other essential services.”

The state government yesterday said the peak of flooding was expected “in the coming days”, including possibly on Christmas Day or Boxing Day in Renmark, the largest town in the Riverland and one that is protected by several levees.

Projections show flows could drop to under 150 gigalitres per day in mid-January, and under 100 gigalitres by February.

So far 1,100 properties have been inundated, with that number expected to reach 4,000 at the peak.

Already, 3,160 properties have had power disconnected.

More than 250 businesses and 4,000 hectares of agricultural land are also expected to be impacted at the peak.

So far, 14 levees have reportedly failed.