South Australia’s State Emergency Service (SA SES) has issued an emergency alert after reported structural failures at a privately-owned dam less than 500m from the south-east township of Echunga.
Due to the high risk of collapse, SA SES has issued an emergency alert to people in homes which have the potential to flood, advising them to prepare for flooding and to relocate to a safer location.
Authorities suggested a ‘safer location’ could include staying with family or friends outside the risk area, or seeking shelter at the Echunga Football Club.
SA SES will work to lower the dam levels by excavating a spillway and installing pumping solutions, with the goal to reduce the risk of flood or dam failure.
The SA SES, South Australian Police and the South Australian Country Fire Service have been working overnight and will continue working today to notify households of the risk of flooding, close roads to support community safety and monitor the condition of the dam.
Highly trained personnel from emergency services, including SA SES Swift Water Rescue Technicians, will remain on site until the risk has subsided.
Community members who wish to receive sandbags can collect these from Echunga CFS station at 44 Adelaide Rd, Echunga.
Sandbagging information can be found on the SES website, here.
