Weekend threat to Swan Hill
The Age
Saturday January 22, 2011
EMERGENCY services will focus on Swan Hill this weekend as Victoria's flood crisis stretches into a second week and towards $10 million in insurance claims.While the waters have receded across much of the state, concerns remain high in the north-west where towns like Jeparit, Beulah and those north of Kerang remain under threat.Major flooding is expected in Swan Hill over the next 48 hours, and the State Emergency Service said the waters would not peak until early next week.With insurance claims from Victoria topping $9 million, the projection of further damage in large towns like Swan Hill could push the tally closer to $10 million in the weeks ahead. The Insurance Council of Australia said about 2500 Victorians had lodged claims.Emergency Services director Tim Wiebusch said some Victorians were hampering rather than helping the flood mitigation efforts. "We continue to see unnecessary rescues from floodwaters and it places emergency services volunteers and professionals at risk. Please never drive, ride, walk or play in floodwaters; it is the main cause of death and injury when flooding occurs," he said.Victorian Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh estimated the floods would cost farmers up to $2 billion. He said the floods had been worse than drought in some ways, because it had washed away food supplies.Governor-General Quentin Bryce visited Horsham, Charlton and Kerang.With REID SEXTON
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