Victoria's flood crisis is far from over, as communities across the state face more rain and slowly receding rivers.
The Bureau of Meteorology said significant rain fell overnight in north and north-western parts of the state, with thunderstorms expected on Monday.
Senior meteorologist Kevin Parkyn said the severe weather warning for heavy rain for the Otways and parts of northern Victoria had been lifted, but there were significant falls late Sunday and into Monday.
"We saw rainfall totals of 10 to 30 millimetres across parts of western and northern Victoria and also locally in Gippsland. Some of those higher totals of 30 millimetres fell at Echuca and Kerang," he said.
"This is on top of the major flooding that's already occurring at those locations."
Forecasters have predicted heavy rain in Gippsland on Tuesday, which could see rivers rise in that part of the state.
Mr Parkyn said this month was likely to be one of the wettest Octobers on record in Victoria.
In Echuca and Moama, where floodwater already passed the level reached in the 1993 floods, the Murray River could still creep higher.
SES chief operations officer Tim Wiebusch said the river was sitting at 94.89 metres above sea level at 11:30am Monday.
"There's still a little bit to go, is what the bureau is saying to us. It could go up to 95 metres throughout the day [on Monday]," he said.
Mr Wiebusch warned Murray River communities between Swan Hill and Mildura to expect to experience at least minor flooding in the coming weeks.
"Victoria is still in a flood emergency and we're seeing all phases of the emergency uncovering itself here in Victoria, whether that's preparation, response and through to recovery," he said.
Over the weekend, the Loddon River peaked at Kerang but is expected to remain at major levels for days.
The communities of Shepparton, Mooroopna and Kialla West continue their efforts to clean up, with the SES "confident" water levels have peaked in the area.
Sandbagging efforts continued late on Sunday evening around Barmah and Lower Moira, while impact crews completed their work in Murchison, Benalla, Euroa and Seymour.
Community comes together as flood waters peak in Echuca
Valerie Myers is one of the Echuca residents fighting a constant battle against flood waters.
Her home is on the other side of the town's flood levee, and standing atop it she can see the flood water swallowing most of her driveway.
Ms Myers left her home on Saturday for supplies and when she returned, the street was full of volunteers sandbagging and working to protect her home.
She said the willingness of the local community left her speechless, with friends and neighbours working 24 hours a day over the weekend to protect the house.
"They're all taking shifts all along there to try and pump some of the water out to keep it out of our yard," Ms Myers said.
"People I didn't know, some people I did know … if it wasn't for this community, our family and our friends, we couldn't get through. It's just amazing.
"We're the lucky ones because our house will get through, and there are some that won't and some that haven't."
Two towns united
A major effort has been underway in Swan Hill, in north west Victoria, to support residents affected by floods in the neighbouring Gannawarra Shire, which takes in Kerang.
A relief centre at the Swan Hill basketball courts is supporting dozens of people who evacuated the region, with some local businesses donating supplies.
The Swan Hill SES and community volunteers have also worked around the clock over the weekend to fill 5,000 sandbags, which are being distributed in Kerang.
Swan Hill's Municipal Emergency Management Officer, Simon Burge, said the community had come together to offer support at a tough moment.
"It has just been magnificent. People really pull together in a time of need like this," Mr Burge said.
"People's generosity has been absolutely amazing. The people of Swan Hill have really stepped up to help."
Gannawarra Shire Mayor, Charlie Gillingham said the sandbags were "greatly appreciated and put to good use".
"We certainly thank the community there in Swan Hill and no doubt we will support them when the water gets up there as well," he said.
