Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National

Morgan residents on high alert, as frustration builds with change in River Murray floodwater predictions

The town of Morgan remains on high alert as peak flood waters make their way down the River Murray, through South Australia's Riverland.

Earlier heavy rain and flooding in New South Wales and Victoria have meant high volumes of water are slowly travelling south through the state.

While the peak has passed in Renmark, towns downstream are still waiting for the highest levels.

In Morgan, the river is much higher than authorities predicted and it's still about a week off the peak — which is expected to reach 1931 flood levels in the town.

Morgan resident Terry Billett is frustrated with the change in water level predictions, while his home has been flooded.

"The water is up to a level now where you can't take stuff out — whoever organised this it's right out of line," he told the ABC.

"It's people's lives we're dealing with. The stress is enormous."

The home where he's lived since the 1980s flooded on Christmas Day.

He said forecasts for the town of Morgan haven't matched what's actually happening.

"I can understand if it's a holiday home but being a permanent residence it's hard to take for me and my missus," he said.

"I've accepted the fact I'm under, it's hard when you build it, but that's the way it is."

'Overwhelmed by support from tourists'

Visitors are doing what they can to help keep Morgan afloat.

Tourism and Heritage Officer in the Riverland, Theresa Danton, said she had been overwhelmed by the support from tourists passing through the area.

The Morgan Craft Shop, which had been hosting about 30 different local suppliers, continues to sell out of products, helping support River Murray businesses.

Ms Danton said the support was welcome, especially during such a difficult time.

"Well you can't even get a car park out the front at the moment so there's been people everywhere," she said.

"We've had great numbers in the shop, great sales yesterday people just wanting to come in from anywhere from Adelaide.

"We've had a lot of people from the Clare Valley [and] Laura area."

SES says risk reduced in Mannum

South Australia's State Emergency Service said the risk of flooding in parts of the River Murray community of Mannum have reduced.

People in at least 12 properties near Mary Ann Reserve were told to evacuate early Thursday after a storm drain failed, causing water to bubble up on the other side of the town's levee.

Authorities said floodwaters had stabilised due to pumping operations and it was now safe to return to properties adjacent to the Reserve.

The area of the reserve adjacent to the rowing club remains under an evacuation warning.

SES regional operations officer Robert Charlton reminded people not to drive or swim in floodwaters, after crews had to rescue three people from the roof of a car in Renmark on Wednesday.

"I don’t know the circumstances that led them to drive into the water, but it’s a timely reminder that it’s not a good idea," he said. 

"We don’t want people in that situation and we don’t want to have to rescue them either."

SES Chief Executive Chris Beattie labelled the incident as "disappointing".

"It’s not only dangerous to put themselves and occupants at risk … it can consequently impact on people's private levees or properties from weight from the vehicle," he said.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.