BREAKING: SES messaging at-risk Riverland households today

RIVERLANDERS in low-lying, “likely inundation” areas have today begun receiving automatic phone messaging about flooding, including potential power disconnections and road closures.

The SA State Emergency Service has today messaged more than 12,500 registered residents and/or businesses in seven separate geographical areas across River Murray communities.

The areas have been identified as being at risk of flooding, however those living on the outskirts of the mapped inundation areas have also been notified as they may be affected by secondary impacts including road closures or the loss of utilities.

Text messages were sent to mobile phones while a pre-recorded message was sent to fixed phonelines. If fixed phonelines were unanswered, the automated system has been calling back up to three times within three minutes.

“Previously this messaging has been successful in informing communities regarding the impacts of bushfires and flooding in South Australia,” said Derren Halleday, SASES chief of staff.

“People in the specified geographical areas are advised of some of the risks and impacts associated with the rising floodwaters, such as potential isolation and disconnected power supplies as well as the River Murray Hotline phone number of 1800 362 361.

“The messaging works concurrently with the doorknocking of communities currently under way and will also reach those people who may have already left the area.”

The first automated messaging to residents and businesses was sent out this morning shortly before 9.30am, with all defined areas completed by noon.

People can contact SA Power Networks to register for outage alerts at sapowernetworks.com.au, calling 13 12 61.