Hundreds turn red alarm as dam threatens to fail and flood their homes: ‘Get out now’
- SES in South Australia warns dam residents at ‘high risk of failure’
- Hope Forest residents were issued a “watch and act” notice
- If people were planning to leave, they should consider leaving now: SASES
South Australian emergency services have warned residents of a small town to prepare for flooding due to the risk of a possible dam burst.
SA’s State Emergency Service has issued an alert for the residents of Hope Forest, a town of about 150 people 40 km south of Adelaide.
SA’s State Emergency Service has issued an alert for the residents of Hope Forest, a town of about 150 people 40 km south of Adelaide.
The dam is at high risk of failure, the SASES said in a statement, and properties near the intersection of Bevan Road, Phillips Road and Verrall Road near Brookman Road could be subject to flash flooding.
The alert asked residents to monitor weather conditions and warnings, follow emergency plans and prepare for flooding.
The SA State Emergency Service has issued an alert for the residents of Hope Forest (pictured), a town of about 150 people, 40 km south of Adelaide
The dam is at high risk of failure, the South Australian SES said in a statement (photo, a stock image)
If people were planning to leave, they should consider leaving now, SASES said at 7 p.m. Saturday.
For SES assistance, call 132 500 and if the matter is life-threatening, call triple-zero.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning with wind gusts expected to peak around 90 km/h over the Mount Lofty Ranges Saturday night.
It said locations that could be affected by damaging winds include Mount Barker, Murray Bridge, Victor Harbour, Strathalbyn and Mannum.
“Harmful wind gusts are expected to drop below warning thresholds by Sunday afternoon,” the warning said.
If people were planning to leave, they should consider leaving now, SASES said at 7 p.m. Saturday
“Recent rainfall has led to saturated soil, so trees may be more sensitive to high winds and gusts.”
The Bureau also issued flood warnings for parts of the North West and North East Pastoral Districts in anticipation of more rain in South Australia.
Showers and increasing rain are forecast from Monday, with possible flooding from Tuesday.
The weather bureau warned communities could be cut off as roads, travel and transportation are affected