The recent severe weather and extensive flooding in parts of SA has been officially declared a Major Emergency.
SA Police Commissioner and state coordinator Grant Stevens said, following advice from the Chief Officer of South Australian State Emergency Service Chris Beattie, it was determined a Declaration of a Major Emergency was appropriate.
"There has been significant damage caused to rail and road infrastructure over the last few days and this is threatening food security in some areas of SA, NT and WA,'' he said.
"A declaration of a Major Emergency will ensure a coordinated, state-approach to ensure food security and provide support if required by isolated communities.''
Mr Beattie said SASES volunteers have had a very busy week responding to more than 700 incidents in the past week but remain ready to respond should the weather escalate again.
"SASES State Control Centre remains fully activated and we are working closely with police and local council officers through the Zone Emergency Support Teams,'' he said.
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"With many outback roads closed including the Stuart Highway at Glendambo, we ask people to please avoid travel in these areas while roads are flooded.
"Looking forward, we are expecting thunderstorms and unstable atmospheric conditions possibly with heavy storms across the West Coast, North West Pastoral, Flinders and North East Pastoral districts with potential for flooding from Friday through until Wednesday next week.
"The risk is heightened from Monday through until Wednesday next week.
"Contingency planning is being undertaken to ensure isolated communities can be resupplied if required.''
The SASES advises the following:
- Monitor the local conditions by tuning into your local ABC radio or checking the SES or BoM website.
- Conditions can also be monitored by following the SES on social media (Facebook or Twitter).
Call 132 500 if you need SES assistance, call 000 (Triple Zero) if the matter is life threatening.
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