Free sandbags are being made available across Adelaide’s south today as rising rivers and creeks continue to pose a flooding risk following heavy rain.
The State Emergency Service has opened three sandbag distribution points on Tuesday, August 25, with locations at Lonsdale and Old Noarlunga operating through until 6pm.
The move comes as flood warnings remain in place across parts of Adelaide and the Hills, including along the Onkaparinga River, where rising water has prompted concern at Clarendon Weir and further downstream at Old Noarlunga.
Moderate to locally heavy rainfall across the catchment since Monday afternoon has caused river and creek levels to rise, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning minor flooding is possible as upstream flows continue moving through the system.
At Old Noarlunga, the Onkaparinga River was rising below the minor flood level early Tuesday, with the Bureau warning it could reach around minor flood level on Wednesday morning.
For residents wanting to prepare their properties, free sandbags are available at:
- Lonsdale State Training Facility — corner of Lindsay Road and Brian Road, Lonsdale, from 8.30am to 6pm
- Noarlunga SES Unit — corner of Brian and Lindsay roads, Lonsdale, from 8.30am to 6pm
- Noarlunga Football Club — Patapinda Road, Old Noarlunga, from 9am to 6pm
Sand will also be available at all three locations, however the SES advises there will be no assistance available to fill sandbags, so residents will need to be prepared to fill them themselves.
An SES Sandbagging your home factsheet will be available at each distribution point, outlining the correct way to fill, lay and dispose of sandbags. Instructional information is also available through the SES website.
The sandbag distribution comes as authorities continue to urge residents to monitor local conditions and avoid flooded roads, rivers, creeks and drains.
Police have also warned motorists against driving through floodwater, with flooded sections of road reported around the southern Fleurieu and Onkaparinga areas.
Floodwater can be deeper and faster-moving than it appears, and the SES advises people never to drive, walk, swim or play in flooded areas.
Residents are encouraged to keep checking SES and Bureau of Meteorology warnings throughout the day as conditions can change quickly.
For SES assistance, phone 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).
For the latest warnings and preparation advice, visit www.ses.sa.gov.au, while current weather warnings and forecasts are available at www.bom.gov.au.
