Some rivers in the North are still rising as floodwaters move downstream as Tasmania’s significant flooding event continues.
While rivers are falling in the North West region, in the North floodwaters continue to make their way down the catchments and river rises are still occurring in the Meander, South Esk, and Macquarie Rivers.
Current areas of significant flooding are along the Meander between Deloraine and Hadspen.
An emergency warning to Prepare to Evacuate is current for:
- South Esk Drive and the river and between Bartley Street and the river.
SES and Police last night doorknocked the identified Hadspen residents and advised them to be prepared to evacuate if required.
Emergency Alert was been activated to directly message everyone with a mobile phone as well as landlines in the identified evacuation areas.
SES advises that if you live in these areas, you should monitor www.TasALERT.com.au
for updates to SES flood warnings.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a moderate flood warning for the South Esk and a minor flood warning for the North Esk, both contributing to the flows in the kanamaluka/River Tamar.
Locations likely to be impacted are: River edge along the lower South Esk River from Trevallyn Dam to Royal Park, and river edge along the mouth of the North Esk and up to Tailrace Park along the kanamaluka/River Tamar.
The State Emergency Service Acting Director, Leon Smith, said that floodwaters would continue to pose a threat for some time and it was expected to take several days before the floodwaters subside.
To date 53 residential, 17 businesses and 19 community facilities have been damaged by the floodwaters in the North and North West regions. Assessments are ongoing.
From midnight to 3pm on Saturday 15 October, the SES received 33 calls to 132 500, resulting in 4 Requests for Assistance. Overnight statistics are not available at the time of this release.
Road closures across impact areas due to flood and storm damage. Details of road closures are changing rapidly and details are maintained on Tasmania Police – Community Alerts website.
The SES has reiterated warnings that driving conditions may be dangerous. Some roads and bridges may be impacted. Drive to the conditions and do not drive through flood waters. Flood waters are a risk to safety, never walk, play, ride, or drive in floodwater.
The Tasmania Emergency Information Service has been established to provide flood-affected communities with general information throughout this weather event. People can call 6145 5303 for the cost of a local call.
For flood and storm assistance call 132 500 and for life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has advised that the significant rain event is expected to impact the north and north-west of the state with ongoing flooding into next week.
Tasmania Police is reminding drone operators to be safe and aware of the rules surrounding the use of unmanned aircraft, particularly those that may restrict flying where emergency operations using aircraft are under way.
SES flood warnings are on TasALERT and should be carefully monitored.
Advice to community:
SES urge people to seek further information and keep up-to-date with information from:
· http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/warnings/ – for the latest weather forecast and warnings.
· www.tasalert.com – for current flood warnings and advice.
· https://www.ses.tas.gov.au/ – for advice on how to prepare, and make flood and evacuation plans.
· https://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/ – for road closures
In the event of heavy rainfall and flooding:
· Check that family and neighbours, especially those who are vulnerable, are aware and have a plan in place.
· Supervise children closely.
· Minimise unnecessary travel.
· Never enter or drive through floodwaters, and when driving look out for debris on roads including fallen trees and power lines.
· Manage pets and livestock.
· Be prepared for flash-flooding.
· Be prepared for power outages.
· Listen to the ABC radio.
For assistance:
· Tasmania Emergency Information Service for flood-affected communities with general information throughout this weather event on 6145 5303 for the cost of a local call.
· Call SES on 132 500 for flood and storm-related emergency assistance.
· Dial Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.