Parts of Tasmania remain on high alert as moderate flooding persists along the upper Derwent River following heavy rainfall over the past week.
Flood warnings are still in effect, with western and central areas of the state receiving over 200mm of rain in the last seven days.
“Significant flows are still occurring along tributaries of the River Derwent downstream of Macquarie Plains but are gradually easing,” the Bureau of Meteorology said.
“Elevated river levels and flooding are occurring along streams and creeks of the Plenty River, Lachlan River, Glen Dhu and Sorell Creek.”
The River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam is currently at 6.78 metres and falling, while the river at Macquarie Plains is at 5.67 metres and falling.
Minor flooding is also easing slowly along the River Derwent around New Norfolk, with the river currently at 2.29 metres and falling.
Tasmania SES Executive Director Mick Lowe said SES crews are assisting the community with recovery efforts and have responded to over 270 requests for help in the last 24 hours.
The majority of these callouts, 214, originated from the north, with 51 from the north-west and 11 from the south.
“A total of 20 warnings remain active, with an Emergency Warning remaining in place for the Derwent River, Meadowbank to Macquarie Plains and Styx River, Bushy Park to Macquarie Plains and surrounds,” Lowe said.
“Properties in the region … continue to face a significant risk of flooding and it is likely roads and properties will become inundated by floodwaters and become inaccessible.”
“This morning we’ll be re-assessing the flooding and will update the community with any change to the warnings.”
Lowe said two evacuation centres remain open in New Norfolk and Glenora.
“A temporary lull in weather conditions is allowing our dedicated volunteer crews to continue to work through the requests for assistance, which are being triaged on an assessment of risk and safety,” he said.
“Given the impact of the storms in the greater Launceston area, additional crews and resources from southern and north-west region are being deployed to assist the northern region,” he said.
TasNetworks reports that over 17,000 homes and businesses across the state are currently without power, with 196 outages recorded.
