Flood crisis worsens in north

THE flooding crisis in Victoria’s north continues to deteriorate with hundreds of homes inundated and dozens of people rescued from the rising water.

Emergency authorities have ordered residents in Charlton and Echuca to evacuate their homes immediately.

While those in Shepparton, Orrvale, Murchinson and Mooroopna have been told it is too late to leave, with more than 600 homes and businesses flooded across the state.

There were 103 flood rescues in the past 24 hours, with the majority in the Shepparton area, according to the Victorian State Emergency Service.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has flown into Bendigo to tour the area with Premier Daniel Andrews.

“This is a very severe weather event that’s having an impact in urban communities but also in regional communities right throughout Victoria, but particularly there in the north and the north-west,” Mr Albanese said.

“We’ll be working with the Andrews Government to make sure that people get the support that they need at this difficult time.”

Australian Defence Force personnel are helping authorities evacuate residents, and an evacuation centre will be opened in Mickleham at a Commonwealth facility.

Emergency services repeated warnings for Echuca and Echuca Village residents to leave immediately on Sunday morning after similar pleas on Saturday.

Echuca is expected to be hit by two flood peaks, including one by Tuesday and another later in the week.

Authorities predicted about 200 Echuca homes would be impacted by floodwaters.

Residents were advised to prepare to be away from home for seven to 10 days, with Echuca Village expected to be impacted by the middle of next week with flow-on effects from the Goulburn and Murray rivers.

Earlier on Sunday, people in Murchison, Shepparton, Orrvale and Mooroopna were warned it was too late to leave.

“If you have not evacuated, you should shelter in the highest location possible,” the SES said.

The Midland Highway, also known as the Mooroopna Causeway, was slated to close on Sunday afternoon but closed on Saturday evening between Mooroopna and Shepparton.

The Goulburn River at Shepparton rose beyond the major flood level of 11 metres overnight and was expected to peak beyond 12 metres by Sunday night, a record level.

A 71-year-old man was found dead in floodwaters in the backyard of his Rochester home in Victoria’s north on Saturday, but police were unable to reach the property due to flooding.

-BY AAP