Authorities are warning residents in the Victorian Gippsland region to leave as they are expecting more flooding on Friday night. At the same time, the Uniting Church is launching an appeal to finance the recovery of the region affected by the flood.
Allan Briggs, the State Emergency Service (SES) spokesman told the Herald Sun that people in the low-lying region should consider evacuating since they are expecting the high tide and the volume of flood water to run down, possibly at night.
"With the expected high tide and the volume of flood waters running down into the Gippsland Lakes area, we believe it's prudent for them to leave now while they are able to in safety, rather than in the middle of the night when it will be much more dangerous and difficult," said Mr. Briggs.
The Victorian State Premier, Steve Bracks told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), he expects the situation could get even worse in the next 24 hours if the swollen rivers meet the king tide in the region.
The Uniting Church through its spokesman, Kim Cain, said the Church wanted to help the local residents with their long-term recovery need after facing an 'unholy trinity' of troubles that are the drought, fire and flood.
The Prime Minister has promised emergency cash relief to Victorians affected by the flood.