Two elderly people missing as flood chaos hits Tasmania

UPDATE: AN 81-year-old man has been swept into the rising Ouse River from his own backyard following heavy rainfall in the area.

UPDATE: AN 81-year-old man has been swept into the rising Ouse River from his own backyard following heavy rainfall in the area.

Tasmania Police Sergeant Adrian Leary said the elderly man was swept away at around 8am by a flash flood after feeding his sheep.

GALLERY: TASSIE IN FLOOD

The property is alongside the Ouse River and part of the backyard is under water.

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

“By the time he checked them and came back it’s possible he may have slipped and 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 were still looking but that rising river levels were problematic.

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

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

Sgt Leary said police had been advised river levels were still rising and were considering closing the Ouse River bridge as it could be completely submerged by water in the next few hours.

EARLIER: GRAVE fears are held for two elderly people believed to have been swept away in separate floods as wild weather lashes Tasmania.

Police are searching the township of Central Highlands township of Ouse after reports a man in his 80s may have been swept away by floodwaters.

And an elderly woman is missing after her house at Latrobe, on the state’s North-West Coast, was inundated.

Her husband was rescued through the roof of their home earlier today but the woman has not been located.

Search and rescue specialists, a police vessel, the Westpac rescue helicopter and local police are looking for the man missing at Ouse.

“This is a significant search and rescue operation, but police hold grave fears for the man, given the rising and dangerous flood waters,” Inspector Matthew McCreadie said.

Seven people were rescued from a property near Latrobe with the assistance of community members.

Police also rescued a family of three from the roof of their vehicle after it was washed from Mersey Main Rd.

Police reminded people to be careful about their personal safety in or near areas which may be subject to flooding.

Where possible avoid low-lying areas as flood waters can rise rapidly, and do not try to cross flooded roadways in vehicles.

For flood and storm assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or 000 in an emergency.