An SES spokesperson said the caravan park’s private levee was inspected at around 6:40pm and deemed to pose an “immediate risk”.

“We inspected the levee, identified it had some damage to it, so we evacuated the people. I believe some water may have been seeping through but it wasn’t anything major at that stage last night,” the spokesperson said.

“There were less than 10 people staying in the caravan park and they were very cooperative.

“At this stage now that people are out, we aren’t overly worried about the situation.”

The evacuation saw a number of the residents transported to the Berri Relief Centre where it’s understood some sought emergency accommodation.

#FLOOD Emergency Warning Evacuate Now issued for Kingston on Murray Caravan Park. Significant flooding is expected to impact in this area which will threaten your safety. You need to evacuate immediately. More info: https://t.co/z8UpJoDnsC ID:437/1

— SASES (@SA_SES) December 13, 2022

The SES spokesperson said there is no indication of when the caravan park will be able to safely reopen.

It comes after the Department of Infrastructure and Transport announced the Purnong and Walker Flat ferries will close imminently due to rising flood waters.

A statement from the department said the Purnong ferry will close from 7pm today while the Walker Flat ferry will close from 7pm Thursday, due to water levels rising beyond where these ferries can safely operate.

Current alternative river crossings for these ferries are the Blanchetown Bridge (upstream) and Murray Bridge (downstream).

The Swan Reach, Morgan, Lyrup and Mannum ferries closed earlier this month due to high water levels.

Purnong Ferry will be closed from 7pm Wed 14 Dec and Walker Flat Ferry will be closed from 7pm Thu 15 Dec due to increased flows on the River Murray.

For more information, visit: https://t.co/eou9i2fnKB pic.twitter.com/M5gxgzAxTO

— SA Infrastructure & Transport (@DFIT_SA) December 13, 2022

A statement from the Department said it is closely monitoring water levels and “endeavouring to keep ferries operating as long as it is safe to do so, however conditions are changing quickly and ferries may need to be closed at short notice”.

Kingston Road at Moorook closed to heavy vehicles last night to minimise damage to the road surface and ensure the road can remain open to light vehicles for as long as possible.

Yesterday, Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the government had secured over 22,000 overnight bed stays for River Murray locals forced to evacuate their properties.

He said the emergency accommodation would be made available “over the weeks and months ahead” for families who don’t have an alternative place to stay.

“The first best option for those people that will lose access to their homes is to find alternative accommodation through family and friends,” the Premier said.

“But we are ready to provide absolute last resort accommodation to those people who need it most.”

Emergency accommodation has been booked at motels, powered caravan sites and cabins in river communities including Berri, Glossop, Waikerie, Barmera, Murray Bridge and Tailem Bend.