Bega Valley again soaked by heavy rain

According to Weatherzone, 87.8mm of rain has fallen on Bega since 10pm Wednesday, while Merimbula has seen 101mm so far at the time of writing.

While not huge readings in themselves, they do come not long after the district saw extensive flooding and road closures.

As a result, the landscape has been unable to soak up much of the recent deluge with road closures and rising waters again on people's doorsteps.

Numerous photos and videos have already been shared to social media today, showing the localised flooding right across the Bega Valley - from Buckajo Road underwater once again to campers making a quick, soaked, retreat from the Kiah River.

The rain on Thursday, January 6, also caused the early closure of the COVID testing clinic located at the Old Bega Racecourse.

The drive-through clinic had only returned to the racecourse on Sunday, January 2, following a temporary relocation to the South East Regional Hospital due to flooding over the Bega River causeways.

Meanwhile, all fishing and water-based activities within Lake Curalo, Eden, should be avoided until next Thursday, January 13, the Bega Valley Shire Council has announced.

Heavy rain washing catchment pollution into the lake has led to council's environmental health team advising against all recreational water activities until the situation improves.

Activities to avoid in the lake include: fishing, prawning, swimming and snorkelling.

Fisheries NSW and local stakeholders have been informed.

Water quality testing at the lake will be conducted over the coming days.