As the flood crisis in the South Australian Riverland escalates, and flows along the Murray River get heavier, residents in the area are being provided with a myriad of support opportunities to help get them through the tough times.
With a peak expected to hit in December, several homes have already been inundated by flood waters, meaning many families have been affected ahead of the silly season.
Currently, the peak flow for the floodwaters is due to be around 190-220 gigalitres a day, with current flows in the order of 180 gigalitres per day.
The Malinauskas government has announced measures which aim to both help residents affected by the flooding crises get back on their feet, and protect them from further trauma.
Door knocking in affected areas
Emergency services last week began doorknocking homes considered to be at risk of flooding. As of Wednesday evening, 5083 homes had been checked.
Of those homes, 110 were still occupied, with 647 indicating their intentions to stay with their properties.
As a result, 538 adults and 68 children will require emergency accommodation.
Emergency Relief Centres
The SA Housing Authority established Emergency Relief Centres in Berri and Mannum for the public to access information and apply for other support, including financial relief and emergency accommodation.
Those looking for support can call 1800 302 787 every day between 9am and 5pm.
So far, 170 booking requests have been received from those needing to leave their homes.
Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs said as the peak flows draw closer, projections are becoming more precise.
“The SASES are mobilising emergency services teams to monitor and inspect the levee network system to ensure the safety of the community,” Mr Szakacs said.
Mental health support
The Malinauskas government has committed to providing residents in the Riverland area with a $1 million package to expand mental health services in the region.
The SA Flood Mental Health Response will be in place to provide specialist and early intervention services for those in affected communities, to minimise long-term mental health impacts on residents of all ages.
The package, which will be delivered in partnership between Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Wellbeing SA, Country SA Primary Health Network and the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist, will promote positive mental wellbeing to reduce the risk of mental ill health and suicide.
Health Minister Chris Picton said the response will build on existing partnerships and expand local mental health support services.
“We know that trauma and stress can have a significant impact on the mental health of individuals and families, so we are putting in place measures to ensure people in the Riverland impacted by this natural disaster get the support they need,” Mr Picton said.
JEV Vaccine
With rising water levels comes an influx of unwanted visitors – namely mosquitoes and other pesky critters.
As Japanese encephalitis virus continues to cause anxiety, the state government has announced the current vaccine program has extended to people who have, or are expecting to have, their properties impacted by flood waters.
It comes as 3000 homes are expected to be inundated with flooding, with emergency services workers in the Riverland now eligible for the jab.
Vaccinations will also be available to people working outdoors for four hours or more, for four weeks or more in the areas.
Currently, nine people across South Australia have contracted the virus. All of them have been hospitalised, with two passing from the illness.
More than 13,400 vaccines have been delivered to local GPs, health networks and pharmacies, with more than 10,000 administered.
People exposed outdoors in flooded areas are advised to take preventive steps to avoid mosquito bites, which can also carry other viruses like Ross River virus and Barmah Forrest Virus.
Chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said the wet spring is expected to be followed by a warm summer.
“We know that alongside flooding associated with rising water levels in the River Murray, this will create greater mosquito breeding habitat and conditions, which support the transmission of mosquito borne diseases,” Professor Spurrier said.
“We are strongly encouraging people to remain vigilant in protecting themselves against mosquito bites and to remember that a vaccination against JEV does not protect against other mosquito borne diseases.”
Spend Your Support
As people flee flooded areas, small businesses in the Riverland need help now more than ever.
On Thursday, the state government launched the “Spend Your Support” campaign to support small River Murray businesses as the flood event worsens.
More than 50 businesses, including wineries, tourism operators and producers, have signed up for the campaign, which allows shoppers to buy direct from the region through a dedicated online marketplace.
The campaign will run until March, with the possibility to extend if need be.
Mr Malinauskas said South Australians need to rally around the Riverland and show them support.
“This Christmas will be tough for many businesses along the River and the Government is committed to helping them get through it and stay open in the new year,” Mr Malinauskas said.
