The absolutely hectic Sydney Storm might have ripped a few pools from backyards and wreaked absolute havoc across the city over the past few days, but the low pressure system causing all the ruckus is also doing an absolute number on Tasmania at the moment as well.
The island state is suffering historic, never-before-seen flooding as the north of the state buckles under the weight of rain dumped across the region.
The storm system dropped as much as 200mm of rain in a day in some areas, causing widespread and severe flooding across a number of river systems, including the Emu River in Burnie, the Meander River, the Forth River, and the South and North Esk rivers, which feed into Launceston.
The town of Latrobe, just south of Devonport, has been inundated for the past 24 hours, after the Mersey River broke its banks yesterday.
The body of an elderly woman was discovered earlier today, after she went missing in floodwater whilst her husband was being winched to a waiting helicopter. Over 20 people have had to be rescued by helicopter, and 107 have required assistance after becoming stuck in rising flood waters. Two other people are still missing; one at Ouse in the state’s Central Highlands, and one at Evandale just south of Launceston.
In Launceston, the state’s second biggest city, preparations have been made for a tense night with floodwaters in the South Esk predicted to peak at around 10am tomorrow morning. The city has closed the gates on its flood levies, and is preparing to close both the Charles and Tamar Street bridges – effectively cutting the city in two.
Residents in the low-lying suburb of Invermay have been urged to voluntarily evacuate their houses.
Footage and images captured by residents show an absolute deluge of water coming down through the Cataract Gorge and First Basin wilderness areas.
It looks absolutely nuts.
The city’s Seaport precinct is already beginning to flood, with water levels rising up to, and over, the heights of riverside pedestrian walkways, with businesses and homes along the area evacuated.
The flooding is the highest the city and region has seen for nearly an entire century, with the last time anything close to this was observed occurring in 1929.
The flooding in the region has already cost farmers hundreds of heads of livestock, with frantic efforts being made to assist surviving cattle and sheep to higher ground.
Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff has described the flooding thus far as a “national disaster,” and the state government has released emergency aid to all households who suffer property damage or loss as a result of the rising waters.
Bloody hell. Try and stay dry tonight, Tassie yeah?
Source: City of Launceston/Facebook.
Photo: Heath Holden/Getty.
