Friday 17 June 2016

Tourists Stranded In South Australia After Heavy Rain

Heavy rains and storms have stranded tourists in South Australia's far north.

Outback charter pilot Trevor Wright says more than 100 people are stuck at Marree and more than 50 at William Creek while on their way back from the Finke Desert Races.

Iconic roads including parts of the Strzelecki and Oodnadatta tracks have been closed after the fifth rain event in as many weeks, Mr Wright says.

"The only way of getting around at the moment is by air," he said.

"I'm flying people stuck in Marree to Leigh Creek and we've got people stuck in Leigh Creek who need to get up to Birdsville."

The Bureau of Meteorology said Leigh Creek received more than 18mm over the last 24 hours, while more than 12mm fell at Yunta and more than 11mm at Roxby downs.

"There's so much moisture in the ground because of the continuous rain. It doesn't take much to close roads and strand people," Mr Wright said.

The Bureau of Meteorology expected the rains to ease throughout Friday.

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