Winds, tide, new dangers in flood area

The State Emergency Service (SES) has warned Lakes Entrance residents that even though rivers are receding, a king tide and strong winds could force a wall of water back into the town.Overnight, 54,000 sandbags were shipped to the Gippsland region where volunteer emergency staff worked feverishly to barricade up doors of businesses and homes in Lakes Entrance to block out the murky waters.The coastal township was starting to count the costs of the deluge as residents enjoyed a break in the weather on Saturday with the water level beginning to drop.SES spokesman Allan Briggs told AAP that a king tide and expected 50km/h winds could send the water back into the streets of Lakes Entrance, where the lakes are catching water from seven flooded rivers."Even though water is receding, it is anticipated it will rise again tonight," Mr Briggs said."We are telling residents to remain alert and not to become too complacent."All communities on the Gippsland Lakes are being told to be prepared for major flooding at high tide tonight.He said 14 homes had been flooded on Raymond Island, 200 metres off the coast of Paynesville, with another 23 at risk.The island has been cut off for four days from the mainland with the regular ferry service replaced by a water taxi used only for emergencies.The names of people who have been evacuated from the area have been registered at Red Cross relief centres operating in Bairnsdale, Paynesville and Lakes Entrance.Prime Minister John Howard has also offered help to Victorians affected by the flood waters."This morning I spoke to the Victorian Premier Mr (Steve) Bracks, I've offered him any additional commonwealth help that may be needed by the Victorian authorities," Mr Howard said."At this stage, there is no request, but if it comes, we will render any appropriate additional assistance Victoria may need... We are only too ready to help."Cash assistance has already been offered to flood-affected residents.The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) said 260 cattle have been reported dead or missing.Eastern Victoria is a major dairy-producing region with up to 60,000 dairy cows.DPI spokesman Jack Winterbottom estimated that up to 30 per cent of the stock had been impacted by the floods.And vegetable growers around Bairnsdale have not escaped damage.Mr Winterbottom said their produce - cauliflowers, cabbages and lettuces - which is transported daily to the Sydney and Melbourne markets, are under water.