Emergency services plan to relocate controversial flood embankment. The embankment was built to protect parts of a Victorian town in southeastern Australia from recent floods, leaving other homes unprotected.
Residents of Echuca experienced a massive flooding event at the end of October that surpassed previous historic levels. Emergency management Victoria led the decision to build an emergency flood dyke in the town to protect as many properties as possible. However, the embankment blocked the stormwater outlet, forcing the floodwaters over the barrier to the other side.
A 3 km long embankment protected part of the town, but many residents living on the other side of the embankment suffered even worse as floodwaters were pumped over the embankment to protect the town centre. flooded.
Echuca’s emergency level has since been lowered, making it safe enough for residents to return with a “monitor and act” alert.
Paul Bates, incident controller for Victorian State Emergency Services (VSES), told the AAP that ambulance services are consulting with communities and planning to move the embankment further north to protect more homes. said.
“We’ve spoken with the community and understand their concerns, and we’re doing some planning work so that we can keep it moving for the foreseeable future,” Bates said.
The Echuca Relief Center has provided services and supplies to meet the daily needs of those affected by the floods. Bates said about 50 residents are still in need of temporary accommodation.
Kampaspe Shire Council Mayor Rob Amos said: statement The water level of the Murray River gradually drops. However, it is expected to remain at major and moderate flood levels in the coming weeks.
The council continues to urge residents to prepare for the expected rise in river levels in the coming months, when more rain is expected.
Amos said community safety is a top priority. And we know we still have a long way to go. ”
Bates warned that residents of flooded areas should avoid flooding, as flood-affected areas can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and diseases.
disease and infection
Health advice and recommendations have been issued by the government after severe flooding in parts of Victoria. Victoria Health Department For flood-related illnesses and injuries.
“Children, pregnant women, the elderly, tourists, the homeless and minorities” would be at greater risk, the agency said.
Flooding and wet weather conditions can increase the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as Balma Forest virus, Ross River virus, Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) virus, and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus. JE and MVE viruses are rare conditions, but severe cases can lead to severe illness and even death.
Victorian SES Incident Controller Paul Bates told AAP that long sleeves and clothing with mosquito repellents should be used to prevent mosquito-borne illness.
Leptospirosis cases may increase after floods. This is because residents may have to walk through floodwaters contaminated with sewage, debris, or contaminated soil. Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria. Leptospira Bacteria found in the urine, water, or contaminated soil of infected animals. Infection in humans usually occurs through exposed cuts or abrasions.
People with allergies, asthma, or respiratory weaknesses such as lung disease can be exposed to mold, which can make their condition worse. levels can occur.
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