The community at the epicentre of Victoria's flood crisis is preparing for a major flood peak this weekend, which could be worsened as it coincides with possible heavy rainfall.
Residents in the town of Echuca near the New South Wales border are now expecting floodwaters from the Murray River to peak from late Friday into Saturday.
That coincides with rain forecast for the state's north — although the Bureau of Meteorology said on Wednesday morning the rainfall was likely to be less severe than earlier predicted.
A community meeting in Echuca heard any major rainfall would pose additional challenges if it arrived as the Murray River surged.
The construction of a 2.5-kilometre flood levee is a central plank in Echuca's strategy to protect the town against the next flood peak.
But residents heard if there was a heavy dump of rain inside the protected zone of the levee, it would need to be pumped out.
The community heard authorities were urgently trying to get more pumps in, to prevent more homes inside the levee from flooding.
In Echuca, locals worked through the night to build a levee, which they hope will protect thousands of homes from major flooding.
Kerang residents told to evacuate or prepare for week of isolation
In Kerang, to the north-west of Echuca, residents were told on Wednesday afternoon to evacuate immediately or prepare to be isolated by floodwaters for more than a week.
The Murray Valley Highway was closed shortly afterwards due to flood damage, with residents who were choosing to evacuate told to take another route.
The State Emergency Service [SES] expected 50 to 60 properties outside the levee at Kerang could be flooded by the Loddon River.
On Wednesday morning, SES chief operations officer Tim Wiebusch said emergency crews had responded to 400 requests for help in 24 hours, and conducted 26 rescues.
"It is pleasing that people do seem to be heeding just at this time that message not to drive through floodwaters," he said.
"But we can't again emphasise enough over the coming days, we're still going to see roads being cut, there is still plenty of roads that are closed, please do not drive around road closed signs and attempt to drive through floodwater.
"It maybe the last decision you make."
Flood death at Nathalia in Victoria's north
The state's death toll has risen, after authorities confirmed a second flood-related death in the state's north.
Victoria Police said a 65-year-old man was found dead in floodwater at Nathalia, north-west of Shepparton.
The Bureau of Meteorology said 30 millimetres or more could fall on Friday and Saturday in northern parts of the state, but the forecast was looking better than expected for Sunday.
"The expected rainfall over coming days is not expected to be anywhere near as widespread or as intense or as heavy and as a result of that we're not expecting a return to major flooding," senior meteorologist Kevin Parkin said.
"There was some concern we could see widespread heavy falls on the Sunday – that is now off the table."
Emergency support for farmers and businesses
More than 400 roads were cut off and about 800 properties were without power at lunchtime on Wednesday.
In Shepparton, Mooroopna and Rochester, river levels continue to recede, giving hope that people would be soon able to return to flood-affected areas.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced $10,000 relief payments for flood-affected farmers and $5,000 for small businesses.
"We're very pleased to be able to confirm we'll provide $54 million in small business immediate flood relief," Mr Andrews said.
"They are at the heart of those communities and we'll stand with them as well at a very difficult time."
The Premier has also announced $4.4 million in additional funds for mental health support in flood-affected areas.
