South Australia flood emergency lifted
Improving conditions mean South Australia's flood emergency declaration has been lifted. Photo: AAP
South Australia’s major emergency declaration in response to flooding across the state’s north and west has been lifted as waters continue to recede and repairs to road and rail lines progress.
The declaration gave Police Commissioner Grant Stevens wider powers to direct movement in and around the flood zone and to coordinate relief and recovery efforts.
Those duties have now been handed over to Department of Premier and Cabinet Chief Executive Nick Reade.
Premier Steven Marshall thanked every volunteer, agency and local who helped in flood-affected areas and communities.
“I’m always blown away at how the South Australian community comes together in times of need to help those affected by fire, flood and other emergencies,” he said.
Mr Marshall said key departments responsible for road maintenance were finalising a list to repair tens of thousands of kilometres of sealed, unsealed, access and private roads.
A staged reopening of Stuart Highway continues. One lane is open to trucks and 4WD vehicles travelling in one direction at a time, with a maximum speed of 20km/h.
Repairs to the Marla to Oodnadatta Road are also progressing.
The road is now open to 4WD traffic with a view to allowing heavy vehicle travel in the coming days, improving access into and out of Oodnadatta.
The State Emergency Service is in contact with outback communities including Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta and is monitoring critical supplies.
Food deliveries have been sent to Oodnadatta over the past two days.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation continues its work on damaged rail infrastructure and remains on target to open the main line linking SA to both the Northern Territory and Western Australia by February 15.
During the rain and floods last month, the SES received more than 800 calls for assistance.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the deluge was brought by former tropical cyclone Tiffany as it moved south.
Falls across the state last month were 175 per cent above average with SA recording its fourth-wettest January on record and its wettest since 1984.
