A rescue operation is underway to save four bushwalkers stranded on a remote Tasmanian mountain after overnight storms obliterated their campsite.
The group called for help on Sunday morning after being battered by forecast wind and rain on Saturday evening.
Police said several of the bushwalkers’ tents at their campsite near Mount Anne in the state’s south-west were destroyed.
The bad weather prevented the group from walking out of the area, raising concerns for their safety due to the potential for further deterioration in conditions.
A rescue helicopter was sent to the area but weather conditions initially hampered efforts, leading to the deployment of a walking team to assist the bushwalkers.
A police rescue officer and a flight paramedic eventually reached the group just after 2:30pm on Sunday, some five hours after the alarm was raised.
Police say the rescue operation is continuing, with the bushwalkers “not expected to be extracted from the area for several hours”.
“A severe weather warning had been issued in recent days including for that area and due to those forecasts it is remarkable that bushwalkers chose to continue,” police said.
“Whilst the group was well prepared with necessary equipment, not recognising the risks associated with those warnings has placed the party and responding search and rescue personnel in danger.”
They are reminding people venturing outdoors to monitor weather warnings and consider the impact of the weather on their activities.
“Research impending weather conditions for the area and do not continue with plans where inclement weather is due,” police said.
