Raging floods smash Tassie towns with grave fears for two missing people as waters rise

TWO people are missing, feared dead, as a ferocious storm cell smashes Tasmania causing havoc and carnage in one of the state’s worst flooding disasters on record.

Jennifer Johnson was rescued from Tarleton and taken by helicopter to Latrobe. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

TWO people are missing, feared dead, as a ferocious storm cell smashes Tasmania causing havoc and carnage in one of the state’s worst flooding disasters on record.

More than 100 people have been rescued from properties, plucked from rooftops or pulled from vehicles after becoming trapped by encroaching floodwater.

Dangerous rapids inundated more than 100 properties in the northern half of the state with fears that number could climb today.

As rain abates in the North, moderate to heavy falls are moving down the East Coast to the South East, including Hobart. The River Derwent is due to hit major flood levels this morning, threatening communities from Meadowbank to New Norfolk.

Evacuation plans are afoot in those areas as the 550 strong volunteer State Emergency Service works statewide to help residents with flood-affected properties.

Evacuation of a non-residential medical facility in the Derwent Valley may also be required.

“Effectively if you draw a line from Swansea up to and including Strahan everything north of that line has or is experiencing some adverse effect,” acting director of the State Emergency Service Nick Wilson said.

The damage bill is unknown but is likely to be in the millions of dollars.

GALLERY: FLOODS HIT TASMANIA

In the Launceston suburb of Newstead, 50 homes were inundated with the city facing higher flood waters than those that levelled the northern capital and killed 22 people in Tasmania’s deadliest flood 87 years ago.

But the state’s worst affected area is Latrobe where 20 homes and 15 properties were smashed by floodwater yesterday, authorities said.

The flooded streets of Latrobe. Picture: TASMANIA POLICE

A woman in her 70s is feared dead after her home in Shale St, Latrobe, was inundated late on Sunday night.

Conditions were so dangerous police were unable to reach the home until 9am yesterday when a helicopter rescued her husband from his roof.

“The flood in Latrobe is certainly worse than that of 1970,” Mr Wilson said.

AS IT HAPPENED: HOW YESTERDAY’S EVENTS UNFOLDED

Grave concerns are also held for an 81-year-old man swept away by rising waters about 8am as he fed sheep in his backyard at Ouse.

Tasmania Police Sergeant Adrian Leary said the man may have slipped.

“We believe initially he had gone out to check some stock which were near his house on a small rise,” Sgt Leary said

“It’s possible he may have slipped and been struck by a flash flood and swept away.

“His wife has seen him sink to his knees, but other than that there are no other witnesses.”

Sgt Leary said a rescue helicopter, police boat and ground crews searched for the man.

“We have some grave concerns for the safety of this elderly gentleman,” he said.

“The family are very upset and hope he is still there, but the longer we go the more concerned we are.”

Assistant Commissioner Glenn Frame said both cases involved a “tragic set of circumstances”.

The Ouse River was one of many around the state to flood in the heavy rains. Picture: KIM EISZELE

A major flood warning was issued last night for the Macquarie River region.

Flooding is occurring between Lake River and Longford and the SES warns properties in the Cressy and Longford districts were likely to become isolated and inundated with water.

Livestock, equipment and crops in the region are likely to be threatened by floodwaters.

A number of schools are also closed around the state.

Authorities pleaded with Tasmanians to stay clear of floodwaters as health warnings were issued about the potentially toxic water.

“I encourage all people that if they don’t need to travel, if they don’t need to go outside, then they should not do so,” Mr Wilson said.

“Under no circumstances should they try to cross or enter any flood waters.”

The SES had received 270 calls for help by 1pm after the state was drenched by more than 200mm of rain over the weekend.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology 340mm fell at Pyengana in the state’s North while 274mm was received in Sheffield.

Pyengana, Frankford and Yolla also broke records for the most rainfall in 24 hours.

There are major flood warning for seven rivers – Mersey, Forth, Meander, Derwent, North and South Esk rivers, and Macquarie.

The Midland Highway risked being closed last night after a local dam spilt over into Blackman’s River at Tunbridge, 47km south of Campbell Town.

By 4pm yesterday water was lapping the town’s convict-built bridge, which is Australia’s oldest single span wooden bridge.

The SES has warned people to stay clear of beaches as 8m swells pound the East Coast, causing localised flooding and erosion.

Premier Will Hodgman last night said the Government was developing a range of support measures.

Leeks from Harvest Moon washed up at Leith.

He said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had “offered the full support of the Federal Government”.

SES Northern Region manager Mhairi Revie said while river levels were higher in Launceston than during the 1929 floods, the threat was much reduced.

“We’ve got levies in place ... and those levies are going to stand in this situation.”

Public Health acting director Mark Veitch said dirty water, mud and silt from floods could cause a range of conditions, including gastro and skin and soft-tissue infections.

“Where possible people should avoid contact with floodwaters,” he said.

Rain in the state’s south is expected to last until today with wet weather forecast for the rest of the week.

RSPCA Tasmania urged people to ensure the safety of their animals, but not attempt to rescue animals that had become stranded by floods.

EVACUATION CENTRES:

Launceston: Albert Hall, corner Cimitere and Tamar streets

East Devonport: East Devonport Recreation Ground, Caroline St

Deloraine: Deloraine Community Centre, Alverston Drive

New Norfolk: Carinya Community Centre, 103 Blair St

Listen to ABC local radio or check www.ses.tas.gov.au for regular updates. Road closures check www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts