- Major flood warning issued for Derwent and Styx rivers.
- Over 10,000 properties affected by power outages.
- SES urges immediate evacuation as floodwaters rise.
Tasmania is facing a severe flood threat, with major warnings issued for the Derwent and Styx rivers. Residents living near these rivers have been advised to evacuate immediately, as floodwaters are expected to inundate properties and isolate communities.
The island state has also been hit by strong winds, with speeds exceeding 150 km per hour, causing widespread damage and power outages for over 10,000 properties. Despite these challenges, Launceston Airport remains operational, relying on generators.
Tasmania Faces Critical Flood Situation Amid Severe Weather
A major flood warning has been issued for Tasmania, specifically affecting the Derwent and Styx rivers. The State Emergency Service (SES) has urged residents in these areas to evacuate immediately to avoid being trapped by rising floodwaters. The threat is significant, with properties at risk of becoming isolated or completely inundated.
In addition to the flood risk, Tasmania has been grappling with strong winds that have wreaked havoc across the state. Winds over 150 km per hour have caused significant damage, leading to widespread power outages. More than 10,000 properties are currently without electricity, and emergency services have been inundated with calls for help.
The SES has reported a high level of compliance with evacuation orders, with about half of the residents in the affected areas evacuating within two hours of the alert being issued. However, the situation remains critical, and further evacuations are expected as conditions worsen. Residents are being urged to stay alert and follow the advice of emergency services.
While the severe weather is expected to subside by Tuesday, the aftermath of the storm and the flood risk will likely have lasting impacts. The authorities are prepared for ongoing challenges as they work to restore services and support affected communities.
As Tasmania faces one of its most severe weather events in recent years, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and mitigating the impact of the floodwaters. The coming days will be critical as the state works to recover from the damage and protect its communities.
“Flood waters are a threat to safety. Property, livestock, equipment, and crops are likely to be threatened by flood waters.” – TasAlert Warning
