An emergency evacuation warning is in place in South Australia's Murraylands town of Mannum amid the River Murray flood emergency as the State Emergency Service (SES) says reveals that it rescued three people from floodwaters near Renmark on Wednesday night.
SES Chief Executive Chris Beattie said volunteers doorknocked the residents of 12 homes adjacent to the Mary Ann Reserve who they advised to evacuate.
“There were twelve homes we doorknocked, three of those households chose to evacuate last night," Mr Beattie said.
"They were provided emergency accommodation ... two decided to remain in place.”
Jane Kelly was one of the residents asked to leave.
"We got warned there would be a siren, and then at three o'clock it came through [so] we had to get out," Ms Kelly said.
She said it was a difficult night, but thanked SES for their help.
"My husbands quite disabled so it was a battle to get him out," she said.
"We tried to get some accommodation, the only accommodation was a motel at Murray Bridge."
"I decided to drive to Strathalbyn … I have a daughter there."
SES regional operations officer Robert Chartlon told ABC Radio Adelaide the warning was due to stormwater infrastructure failing and water pooling on the wrong side of the levee.
"Late evening last night, we received reports of water we believed has come up through the stormwater," Mr Charlton said.
“At this stage we think the levee is intact which we are confirming this morning with engineers."
The SES volunteers will work to pump water out but urge residents to leave now.
Mid Murray Mayor Simone Bailey told ABC Radio Adelaide she believed the situation was under control.
"As far as I'm aware there was a cautionary evacuation and it'll be reassessed this morning," Ms Bailey said.
"There's lots and lots of pumps here … as far as I'm concerned the water is maintained.
"I'm not an engineer, obviously there's a concern from me, I want to keep my town safe.
"There were so many SES volunteers here last night."
Those unable to find alternate accommodation can attend the emergency relief centre at the Mannum Football Club on Belvedere Avenue.
Three people rescued from car
The SES said crews rescued three people that became stuck in floodwaters on Wednesday night.
“We had vehicle that drove into the water in the Renmark area and we rescued three people who were sitting on the roof," Mr Charlton said.
He urged people to not drive or swim in floodwaters.
“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 been very disappointing to see people have failed to heed to warning signs and road closure signs," Mr Beattie said.
"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."
Cowirra properties to be isolated within a day
It comes as a flood emergency warning remains in place for Cowirra, across the river from Mannum, with people urged to evacuate Wednesday morning.
The SES said flooding was expected to cause isolation to properties within 24 hours due to the deterioration and flooding of East Front Road and Hunter Road at Cowirra.
The Department of Transport said a free passenger ferry service between Cowirra and Mannum – which only began operating on Tuesday – would close until further notice from Thursday afternoon due to the closure of the Burdett and Hunter roads junction at Mannum.
The Wellington ferry will also close due to rising water levels.
