This flood blog is provided free to readers during the emergency event unfolding across our region on Tuesday, and will include essential community information and updates as reported by the Bendigo Advertiser.
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That's it for this Tuesday's blog. We would like to thank the emergency service personnel who are unfailingly serving us all as this crisis goes on - and the flood victims who have graciously allowed the Advertiser to tell their stories.
We end this blog with various warnings for communities throughout central Victoria and an evacuate now message for Echuca. Our thoughts are with everyone currently being hit by flood waters.
East Wimmera Health Service hopes for 'limited' service commencement at Charlton
![Charlton hospital was rebuilt after the 2011 flood event. Picture supplied Charlton hospital was rebuilt after the 2011 flood event. Picture supplied](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/133216274/34a7fb6d-7b1a-424d-add3-d9265c463c5e.jpg/r36_0_1044_566_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
An East Wimmera Health Service spokesperson said they were "closely monitoring local conditions and staffing availability in order to plan a limited recommencement of services in Charlton."
"Local roads remain officially closed so we have a limited ability to direct staff travel in the area," they said.
"We expect road status to gradually change in coming days.
"With another rain period predicted for this weekend, a conservative approach is likely but we will keep you informed."
Officials concerns over roads at Rochester, Echuca, Charlton
![Water over McIvor Road at Axe Creek on October 13. Picture by Noni Hyett Water over McIvor Road at Axe Creek on October 13. Picture by Noni Hyett](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/133216274/5445ff83-1788-4cd5-895f-2f951983da70.jpg/r0_0_5568_3712_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Areas of current concern for the Department of Transport are the regions around Echuca, Kerang, Charlton and Rochester, however all areas of the state have been impacted by the weather.
The community is urged to familiarise themselves with road closures in their area before travelling to determine if it is possible to reach their destination.
The road network has suffered significant damage with large potholes and sections of road destroyed.
Crews right across Victoria have mobilised and have already repaired 20,000 potholes, however many remain.
Motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution with an expectation the road surface will be damaged.
Leaving extra distance between vehicles will help drivers get a better view of the road ahead.
Drivers are reminded of the dangers of driving through road closures and into floodwater. Not all road closures are manned.
It is critical the community obey the signage in place. Barriers blocking access to roads should not be moved as road closures are in place for safety reasons.
Major roads currently closed include:
- Many roads in and out of Seymour, Shepparton, Mooroopna, Bridgewater, Rochester, Wedderburn, Charlton, St Arnaud, Echuca and Katamatite.
- Calder Highway the Avoca River in Charlton
- Loddon Valley Highway from Sailors Gully to Durham Ox
- Midland Highway between Mooroopna and Shepparton
- Northern Highway between Elmore and Echuca
- Benalla-Tocumwall Road between Devenish and Katamatite
- Dookie-Violet Town Road between Violet Town and Nalinga
- Bendigo-Pyramid Road between Raywood and Mitiamo
Some recent road re-openings:
- The Princes Highway between Allansford and Camperdown
- The Glenelg Highway between Glenthompson and Skipton
- Heathcote-Nagambie Road between Nagambie and Argyle
- The Goulburn Valley Highway south of Kialla
- The Calder Highway at Marong
- Glenrowan Road in Wangaratta
- Heatherton Road in Dandenong
- Melba Highway south of Yarra Glen
All current road closures are listed at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Bus to Bendigo Relief Centre leaves Rochy at 4pm
Echuca CFA issues urgent plea for help building levees
![Sandbagging efforts in Rochester last week. Picture by Noni Hyett. Sandbagging efforts in Rochester last week. Picture by Noni Hyett.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/150021823/40ef2d86-b4a2-4746-a5e2-5431eaad9a9c.jpg/r0_0_4337_2887_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Echuca CFA has put the callout on social media asking for anyone free to help firefighters build a levee bank near McDonalds.
"We urgently require about 200 people to help," the post says.
Are you prepared for the next lot of rain?
Echuca, Rochester residents face waits to restore sewerage network
![Rochester over the weekend. Picture by Darren Howe. Rochester over the weekend. Picture by Darren Howe.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/150021823/bf5a67e7-984f-407f-8de6-a9d026a8ba9e.jpg/r0_0_4084_2722_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Coliban Water has said sewerage systems in Rochester and Echuca could be overwhelmed for a number of weeks.
According to VicEmergency's warning for the townships, Rochester's system could take between six and eight weeks to restore.
Some customers may notice their toilets aren't flushing or that their sinks aren't draining as normal.
Customers are encouraged to minimise water use, including the use of washing machines and dishwashers, and limit baths and showers to reduce the volume of water being sent to the sewer while flood levels are high.
As the clean-up commences, customers can direct excess water from the cleaning of paths, driveways and floors into gutters and drains.
Impact of floods becomes clearer with each day
For many locals who were touched by the floods, the damage won't recede with the water.
Change to rubbish collection day in Charlton this week
![Supplied Picture. Supplied Picture.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/150021823/4c870430-9e21-4e3c-8df5-be4722293483.JPEG/r0_332_2016_1515_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Rubbish collection change in Charlton
Charlton residents please note there will be no rubbish collection today, according to the Buloke Shire.
"A collection will happen tomorrow, Wednesday 19 October, for both red and yellow bins," the shire said on Twitter earlier today.
BARC puts call out for donations to help flood impacted pet owners
![File picture. File picture.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/storypad-34GUhu3yS7SU9i7jdHAcFhw/f7abf9f5-e0cc-4594-b0d1-9b134e4a5a1a.JPG/r0_0_3456_2376_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The Bendigo Animal Relief Centre has put the callout for donations to further help flood evacuated people and their pets.
In a post on social media BARC said it had runout of supplies to help people and was chasing the following:
- Dog leads and collars
- Blankets - we need oh-so-many blankets!
- Soft dog or cat beds
- Towels
- Overnight crates
- Dog Food
- Cat Food
Anyone donating, the rescue centre has asked to make sure items are in good condition, are clean and work.
Please do not donate the following:
- Broken or soiled items listed above
- Pillows
- Sheets
- Items of clothing
There's space for more people at the Bendigo Relief Centre if you need
![Rochester on Friday. Picture by Darren Howe. Rochester on Friday. Picture by Darren Howe.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/150021823/7cc3b96b-2134-47c1-bb15-72bf96e981a4.jpg/r0_0_3840_2560_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
A Bendigo Council spokesperson has informed The Advertiser there is additional capacity for those in need of a place to stay at the city's relief centre set up at the showgrounds.
"We have 168 people staying at the emergency relief centre and they are mainly from Rochester (approximately 90 per cent), with the balance being mainly from Echuca," the said.
"Without putting an exact number on it, we have plenty of capacity for additional people."
Thank you to the emergency crews
'A small car can float in only 15cm of water': drivers warned as water begins receding in some towns
![Axedale Bridge. File picture. Axedale Bridge. File picture.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/150021823/800e71f9-1afb-4a01-ad0d-95409b935d2c.jpg/r0_0_3531_2346_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Rochester SES has advised residents to "drive slowly and be very aware" of road conditions as the Campaspe River recedes to moderate flood level on Tuesday.
The SES unit said in a Facebook post this morning "a small amount of water is still on some streets".
Keep up to date on the emergency warnings in your area
State gov covers landfill costs
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews announced via social media on Monday the state government would cover the cost of flood waste taken to landfills until the end of the year.
Aerial view of central Victorian weirs
Moderate flooding could isolate Wycheproof
![Rochester resident Leanne Picken has begun the cleanup. Picture by Darren Howe Rochester resident Leanne Picken has begun the cleanup. Picture by Darren Howe](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/133216274/2a70d2df-a0ad-4aaa-a301-9e5daa96c19b.jpg/r0_0_7356_4898_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
As of this morning, evacuate immediately warnings are still in effect for parts of Charlton and Echuca.
Charlton evacuation route safest via Calder Highway
For those located in the Charlton township, safe travel locations include the relief centre that has been opened at Wycheproof P-12 College, McKenzie Cr, Wycheproof. The facility may have capabilities for small domestic pets, preferably in cages.
The safest evacuation route is via the Calder Highway, following the signed detour route.
Those who do not relocate now may become isolated for a number of days and emergency services may not be able to help.
Evacuation route from Echuca may not remain open
Emergency evacuation warnings have also been issued for parts of Echuca and Echuca Village, including properties surrounding the Campaspe River.
An evacuation route is currently open but may not stay that way.
The route heads west from Echuca to Roslynmead, then south to Hunter then to Elmore and finally to Bendigo.
The Bendigo Emergency Relief Centre (Bendigo Showgrounds) is being used as primary relief centre for the area. People should expect there may be a requirement to be moved to Bendigo from Echuca Emergency Relief Centre (Echuca South Basketball Stadium).
Greater Shepparton hit hard
Those in the Greater Shepparton areas of Bunbartha, Zeerust, Mundoona or Kaarimba are advised to evacuate immediately.
Specifically, properties located areas adjacent to the Number 12 Main Channel from McCracken Road in the South to Walshs Bridge Road in the North, and East of Nine Mile Creek to Prentices Road.
A relief centre that has been opened at Deakin Reserve - Skene Street, Shepparton.
The safest evacuation route is via the Barmah-Shepparton Rd.
Other warnings across the state
Move to higher ground in the following locations:
- Loddon River Loddon Weir to Kerang
- Fairy Dell, Kanyapella South, Koyuga, Nanneella
- Campaspe River Downstream of Rochester
- Campaspe River Barnadown to Rochester
- Rochester
It is too late to leave:
- Murchison
- Kialla West
- Parts of Shepparton
- Mooroopna
- Orrvale
For more information visit: emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
Echuca residents face one-in-1000 year flood
A new morning has started with renewed flood warnings and some new for various parts of the state.
Residents in Echuca are faced with the impending unknown impacts a one-in-1000 year flood may have on the township.
At a community meeting in town on Monday morning, residents were urged to prepare for the worst as waterways surrounding the Echuca-Moama continue to rise.
An Emergency Management Victoria spokesperson warned the Murray River at the Echuca Warf was set to peak at 95.9m in the coming days.
This movement along the river lead to a renewed evacuation warning for Echuca and Echuca Village.
Flooding may impact residents whose properties surround the Campaspe River and residents in Echuca Village can expect to be impacted over the coming days.
Residents in Rochester have begun the massive clean up as waters from the Campaspe begin to receed.
On Monday afternoon, locals were out in full force ripping up carpets and removing damaged possessions from their, and their neighbours', homes. It's the community effort Rochester has become known for.
Leanne Pickens returned to her home on Monday, with an estimate of how much water went through the house, and friends and family on call to help clean up.
"It's probably about what we were expecting," she said. "You just want to see it for yourself, today's the first day we've been able to get here and look at it."
Meanwhile, a moderate flood warning has been issued for Wycheproof and surrounds.
At a town meeting on Monday night, officials said the Tyrell and Lalbert creeks should be planning for between a two per cent AEP flood (one in 50 year) and one per cent AEP flood (one in 100).
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