The northern Victorian town of Kerang could be cut off from the rest of the state for up to two weeks from Monday night as flood waters rise.
There is a two-hour wait at the local pharmacy as people queue to fill their medical prescriptions and the local community health centre is offering extra appointments as people stock up on supplies.
The Bureau of Meteorology says the Loddon River at the Murray Valley Highway Bridge is expected to exceed the major flood level of 77.8 metres overnight Monday into Tuesday, with levels to peak at around 78 metres (Australian height datum) overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, similar to the levels reached in the January 2011 floods.
And with so much water already in the river system, that flooding is likely to stick around for much longer.
"In 2011 the water stuck around for quite a long time, this time it could be worse because there is so much in the Murray River that the water going down the Loddon is not going to get away that quickly," local SES incident controller Les Vearing said.
"We are fairly confident that there won't be too many houses flooded, it's the isolation. If people want to go somewhere in the next week or so they are going to be stuck there.
"Don't wait for it to be too late to leave because you could easily get stuck.
"If it does look like it is going to top the levee banks, the messaging will go out and emergency services will monitor the situation and activate the community to do sandbagging if needed."
The SES and other emergency services strongly encouraged residents, particularly those with mobility or medical issues, to evacuate north towards Swan Hill.
Gannawarra Shire Mayor Charlie Gillingham said residents would be given plenty of warning before the Patchell Bridge out of Kerang was closed.
"The message from council is prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” he said.
"Those who are elderly, vulnerable or need medical help should be preparing to leave now. If they are going to evacuate, they should stay with family and friends."
An emergency relief centre has been set up at the Kerang Memorial Hall and farmers were told to move livestock to higher ground.
"We don't want to see huge stock losses like we have in the past," Mr Gillingham said.
Victoria police said those who left could register their absence by phoning 131 444 and officers would monitor their property.
Those who intended to remain in their homes were told to make sure they were prepared for a long period of isolation.
Mick and Barb Lewis from Barham, New South Wales, spent $310 stocking up on grocery supplies this morning in case they become isolated.
"It was bedlam in the supermarket, there was no toilet paper or meat and it felt similar to panic-buying during COVID," Mrs Lewis said.
A Woolworth spokesperson said the business would try to keep the local shop open as long as possible depending on how many staff remained and overall stock supply.
Where to find emergency assistance and information
- For emergency assistance, contact the SES on 132 500
- If your life is at risk, call triple-O (000) immediately
- You can find the latest Victorian evacuation orders here
- For the latest weather updates visit the Bureau of Meteorology.
