Northern parts of Victoria could experience a new flash flooding threat with more rain and thunderstorms expected just as the Murray River peaks at Echuca.
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Many towns are on track to experience their wettest October on record, with between 30 millimetres to 60mm predicted to fall in the next day.
There is major flooding in Echuca, with the Murray River slightly exceeding the expected peak at midday on Monday.
Dozens of houses built along the river's banks have been swallowed up by water.
About 30mm of rain fell overnight and flood walls have so far protected the centre of town from the worst of the disaster.
But properties on the so-called wrong side of a levee constructed over the past week to save major infrastructure have started to flood.
"Our house is surrounded by water," resident Julie Golledge told AAP on Monday, when about 20 centimetres of water had already seeped into her garage.
"There are a number of houses that do have water flowing in them because they're lower lying compared to us."
One of those houses belongs to former policeman Nick Dean, who said the only way in and out of his home is via boat.
"You can imagine the anger with council who put this levee up and thrown us to the wolves," Mr Dean told 3AW.
On Monday afternoon, there was still major flooding at Echuca, Moama, Barham, Kerang, Moree, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Hillston, Hay and Condobolin.
Flood levels downstream of Shepparton remain at a moderate level, local State Emergency Service incident controller Ray Jasper said.
"Unfortunately this afternoon, the Barmah levee has let go so we are having water into Barmah. Crews are just helping strengthen ... the community property protection of 55 houses that were potentially inundated," Mr Jasper told reporters on Monday.
Flood levels are expected to reach 7.6m at Barmah.
Parts of northern Victoria could face heavy rain, damaging winds and large hail on Tuesday, with drivers warned to be extra vigilant for flash flooding and pot holes.
The Murray River surpassed the 1993 flood level at Echuca on Saturday while the Loddon River at Kerang peaked, but the threat is yet to pass.
Floodwaters there have only slightly receded and are not expected to noticeably drop for several days.
Recovery efforts across central Victoria are about to ramp up, particularly at Rochester and Mooroopna which were badly damaged almost a fortnight ago.
So far approximately 4000 CFA volunteers have assisted communities to prepare or clean up.
"There's many examples of volunteers that have been out helping the community, prepare the community and in fact have had their own homes inundated," CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan told reporters.
Residents from Swan Hill to Mildura have been told to be on alert and prepare for flooding for the rest of October.
Victorian Racing Club Chairman, Neil Wilson, announced a $500,000 flood relief effort to assist those impacted by floods ahead of the Melbourne Cup.
"We feel a sense of responsibility for using cup week as a platform, with our partners and our members and a whole range of people who are going to be involved, to actually support the flood relief program," Mr Wilson said.
The Flemington Racecourse stone wall controversially protected the landmark from waters as nearby properties flooded from the Maribyrnong River earlier this month and an investigation is underway into whether the wall contributed to the disaster.
Australian Associated Press
