Live blog, October 21: Nathalia, Picola, Barmah flood warning, Murchison bridge closed, rainfall monitored

A reminder: the most recent news updates are at the top of this blog. As you scroll down, you’ll be travelling backwards in time.

Ensure you stay across alerts on the Vic Emergency app, the Victoria SES website or calling 132 500 if you urgently need assistance. Call 000 in an emergency and remember to never drive through or enter floodwaters.

If you need to contact us, please email editor@sheppnews.com.au or call (03) 5831 2312.

UPDATE, 4.10pm: Signing off

I’m leaving the blog here for today but we’ll be back tomorrow and Sunday to keep you across all the latest from the floods.

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted, and those waiting to see whether they will be in downstream communities.

I’ll leave you with this video of three brothers who rescued a 91-year-old man from his car in floodwaters this week in Shepparton.

Senior reporter Monique Preston also wrote a story about the rescue which you can read here.

Good job fellas.

UPDATE, 3.50pm: Rochester community meeting

Heads up, Rochester and surrounding areas a community meeting is being held at 6pm today at the church at 2 Victoria St, Rochester.

Attendees will include representatives from SES, Catchment Management Authority, ADF, EMV and local council.

UPDATE, 3.30pm: VLocity trains postponed

The much-anticipated launch of VLocity trains on the Shepparton Line this Sunday has been postponed due to the Goulburn Valley floods.

However, a V/Line timetable change for north-east train and coach services at the same time will still go ahead.

At the moment, coaches are replacing trains on the Shepparton Line.

Once it is safe, assessments of what repair work is required for trains to safely return to the line will be carried out.

When trains start running again on the Shepparton Line, all services will be VLocity trains.

Find out about the new timetable coming into effect on Sunday here.

UPDATE, 2.30pm: Bins, asbestos and free wifi

Few updates from Greater Shepparton City Council this afternoon.

Firstly, great news that all three kerbside bins will be emptied during residents’ next collection for those who missed a bin collection on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday this week.

Read more information here.

Council has also released some advice on dealing with asbestos after emergencies and disasters.

Finally, there is free, unlimited wifi at some spots in Greater Shepparton.

If you need to connect to the free public wifi to contact loved ones, access the websites you need, or keep the kids occupied – there’s no daily limit.

A full list of locations is available here.

‘UPDATE, 2.10pm: Broken Creek update Walsh’s Bridge, Nathalia and Numurkah

Minor flooding is continuing along the Broken Creek at Walsh’s Bridge and Nathalia, and will for the next few days.

River levels in and around Numurkah are expected to see rises similar to that of the December 2010 flood event in coming days.

The Broken Creek at Walsh’s Bridge is at 2.53 metres and rising slowly, with minor flooding.

At Nathalia the creek is at 1.63 metres and also rising slowly, with minor flooding, and is likely to continue rising slowly above the minor flood level of 1.50 m during the weekend.

A peak prediction will be provided once upstream peaks have been observed.

Stay informed on the VicEmergency website, app or hotline by freecalling 1800 226 226.

UPDATE, 1.50pm: Revised peak for Echuca-Moama

From our friends at the Riverine Herald in Echuca;

Campaspe Shire Council posted this morning that the Murray River at Echuca Wharf is now expected to peak at 95.3m (above sea level) on Wednesday.

That peak is lower than the earlier predicted totals of 95.9m told to the general public at Monday’s community meeting at Echuca East, and a 95.6m figure shared on Tuesday night.

As of 9am today, the Murray River was 94.58m at Echuca Wharf and rated steady.

That represents a rise of 14cm in the previous 24-hour period.

UPDATE, 1.30pm: Woman rescues cat from floodwater surrounded home

During the flood in Mooroopna, a friendly local feline was stuck in a house with nowhere to go for three days.

But a Mooroopna Bottle-O staff member proved to be the cat’s saviour.

Meanwhile, Pat and Tina’s BP in Shepparton North was back in action on Wednesday despite receiving flood water damage.

Owner Joe Di Conza said the store lost around $4000 worth of stock due to the power going out in a fridge.

“We’ve now started the clean-up, we’re trying to operate,” Mr Di Conza said.

UPDATE, 1pm: Shepparton Search and Rescue do just that

Cadet journalist Patrick Morrow spoke to Shepparton Search and Rescue’s commander Gary Lovell yesterday.

The unit has been involved in rescues during the floods, including saving a pregnant woman who was going into contractions, and a family stuck on the roof of a car.

“When we got there, the kids were sitting on the roof of the car, grandma was standing on the seat, with her head out of the sunroof,” he said.

The unit also unfortunately lost a $25,000 boat during an attempted rescue.

Read the full story from Patrick here.

UPDATE, 11.45am: Shepparton and Mooroopna photo galleries

Our photographer whiz Megan Fisher has been out and about all week covering the floods in the Goulburn Valley.

Yesterday she was in Shepparton as the sun rose and captured the scenes on this side of the Goulburn, where water had further receded.

Then, once the causeway opened in the mid-morning, she accompanied senior reporter Monique Preston as they saw the devastation on the other side of the river.

UPDATE, 11.35am: Seven Creeks falling at Kialla West

The Seven Creeks at Kialla West fell below the moderate flood level of 5 metres last night.

It’s now at 4.97 metres and falling, but is likely to remain above the minor flood level of 4.5 metres during today and into Saturday.

UPDATE, 11.25am: 1000 food hampers arrive in Shepparton

Foodbank has delivered another 1000 hampers to Shepparton this morning.

Meanwhile, St John Ambulance has deployed 24-hour coverage at the emergency relief centres in Shepparton, Tatura, Echuca and Bendigo.

UPDATE, 11.20am: Travel impacts in Victoria

Victorians are still being encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel with hundreds of roads damaged or closed due to flooding.

Areas of current concern are Echuca, Barmah, Rochester, Bunbartha, Shepparton, Mooroopna, Orrvale, Kialla West, Murchison, Kerang, Boort and Wedderburn.

For all road closures or interruptions visit the VicTraffic app or website.

UPDATE, 11.10am: Nathalia, Picola and Barmah moderate flood warning

A moderate flood warning is being issued for Nathalia, Picola, Barmah and nearby areas.

Community members are being told to prepare now for flooding.

“Take actions to protect your life and property against potential hazards caused by increases in flooding,” the warning said.

What you should do:

•Floodwater is dangerous - never enter floodwater.

•You can leave your home anytime if you feel unsafe.

•An emergency relief centre is open at Nathalia Community Centre, 42 Robertson Street, Nathalia.

Stay informed on the VicEmergency website, app or hotline by freecalling 1800 226 226.

UPDATE, 11am: Non-profit care service’s care allegedly stolen

Terrible to see this post from Goulburn Valley Hospice Care which has been targeted again.

According to the Facebook post, its white 2020 Hyundai Kona (with registration 1SR1MR) was stolen from Balalcava Rd, Shepparton at 4am yesterday, Thursday, October 20.

The non-profit community palliative care service provides support to people living in Greater Shepparton.

In August, two of its cars were stolen, including vital medical equipment which was in one of the vehicles.

UPDATE, 10.50am: Rainfall monitored closely

Moderate flooding is easing along the Goulburn River from Seymour to Shepparton.

At Murchison, the Goulburn is at 10 metres and steady, with minor flooding.

At Shepparton, it is sitting around the moderate flood level at 10.7 metres and is likely to remain around this level into this afternoon.

In the 24 hours to 9am today, rainfall totals of up to 5mm have been recorded in the Goulburn River catchment.

Further rainfall is forecast from today and a flood watch is current, advising of the potential for renewed flooding.

The situation is being monitored closely and warnings will be updated as necessary.

Just a reminder though that yesterday afternoon Shepparton incident controller Ray Jasper addressed the forecast rain.

“There is more rain coming and it is going to lift some of the streams; we are going to put advice messages out to all communities over the next day what that means for you,” he said.

“Flash flood is a real risk but we will not see what we had last week.

“You will see river rises, but we will keep you informed.

“For your security the Shepparton Incident Control Centre will run 24/7 for at least another week - we’re here to help you, we will give you early messages.”

Importantly he said to download the VicEmergency app or keep an eye out for alerts on the VicEmergency website.

You can watch that full video from Mr Jasper here.

UPDATE, 9.55am: Warnings current

While the clean up begins in upstream communities, near the Murray River it is a different story.

For the Barmah and Lower Moira area, an evacuation warning remains current but as of 6pm Thursday night it was too late to leave.

People who have not evacuated are being told to shelter in the highest location possible.

An emergency relief centre has been opened at the Nathalia Community Sports Centre, 42 Robertson Street, Nathalia.

Those who have evacuated are asked not return to their home until a safe to return notification is issued.

Over at Echuca and Echuca Village, an immediate evacuation warning is in place.

The Murray River at Echuca may reach around 94.80 metres (above sea level) during Sunday, with major flooding.

This level is similar to the October 1993 flood event of 94.77 metres.

The river level may possibly reach around 95 metres during Tuesday.

The Bendigo Emergency Relief Centre at the Bendigo Showgrounds is being utilised as primary relief centre for the area.

People should expect there may be a requirement to be moved to Bendigo from the Echuca Emergency Relief Centre at Echuca South Basketball Stadium.

Flood water is impacting sewerage systems in Echuca and residents are asked to consider minimising water use, including the use of washing machines and dishwashers, and limit baths and showers.

UPDATE, 9.20am: Plenty of help around

If you’re looking for some help during the flood clean up, there is plenty of assistance around.

On Facebook, there is a public group called Goulburn Valley Floods - 2022 where people are offering to help.

Today, HomeSafeGV is out and about helping the community cleaning up or hard rubbish runs.

To reach out call the office on 5897 7188, leave a message with details and they will organise a pick up time.

UPDATE, Friday 9am: Murchison bridge, Mooroopna sewerage network

At 6pm last night the Shepparton Incident Control Centre advised the Murchison Bridge was closed to traffic and pedestrians, including walkers and bike riders, due to flood damage.

We also have an update on the Mooroopna sewerage network which came through from Goulburn Valley Water after we signed off last night.

Seventeen pump stations are operational but some others remain impacted by floodwater or have asset damage, and works are underway to repair those.

“We know this is having an impact on our customers in parts of Mooroopna and we are working hard to try and reinstate the whole service as quickly as possible,” a GVW spokesperson said.

"Residents in affected areas may notice toilets and drains aren’t running as normal, or draining slowly.

“We are asking residents in the affected areas to reduce their wastewater (i.e. showers, washing machines, dishwashers) as much as they can.”

GVW is working to get nine pumping stations back online and fully operational as soon as possible, however some are still inundated by floodwaters meaning they are unable to be assessed.

GVW is looking at alternative options for residents in areas that are still inundated, which will continue to experience issues with toilets and drains until the floodwater recedes.