Article
Ongoing Flood Risk for Derwent Valley
UPDATE, 12:33
Emergency warning downgraded but flooding remains across Tasmania
Tasmania SES has downgraded the emergency warning for the Derwent River, but widespread moderate and minor flooding remains in areas across the state.
Executive Director of Tasmania SES, Mick Lowe said the Derwent River warning was downgraded to Watch and Act late this morning.
“We have downgraded our Emergency Warning to Watch and Act for Derwent River, Meadowbank to Macquarie Plains and Styx River, Bushy Park to Macquarie Plains and surrounds,” he said.
“Our call to action is now for people to avoid the flooded areas, and to keep monitoring conditions as they are changing.”
“Several flood warnings remain in place across Tasmania, and we need people to remain alert and up to date.”
“We have flood impact assessments taking place today across the state, to help us plan our recovery activities going forward.”
“Tasmania SES has received more than 800 requests for assistance since Tuesday, 77 in the past 24 hours and fortunately only 10 since midnight.”
“There are about 24 requests for assistance outstanding, mostly in the north of the state, and we are deploying additional crews to the area to assist with the response.”
“I want to thank Tasmanians for their patience and understanding as our crews work hard to help our communities.”
“I also again want to thank our dedicated SES volunteers, and our emergency service partners for their ongoing commitment to keeping Tasmanians safe throughout this prolonged event.”
“While river levels have moderated overnight, we may see further rises later in the week with more rainfall forecast.”
“A number of roads remain closed or hazardous, and I urge all motorists to check the Tasmania Police community alerts website before travelling and remember – if a road is closed it is closed for a reason.”
“If you are cleaning up, please be safe and be alert to the dangers of damaged trees and fallen powerlines.”
EARLIER
Emergency services are continuing to respond to weather related matters across the state and urge the community to remain vigilant with a flood risk ongoing to the Derwent Valley.
Executive Director of Tasmania SES, Mick Lowe, said SES crews continue to work to help the community recover from the severe weather which has impacted the state this week.
“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.”
“Properties in the region of the Derwent River, Meadowbank to Macquarie Plains and Styx River, Bushy Park to Macquarie Plains and surrounds continue to face a significant risk of flooding and it is likely roads and properties will become inundated by floodwaters and become inaccessible.”
“Over the past few days, police and SES have been door knocking in the area to ensure people in these areas are aware of the risks, and two evacuation centres remain open – one at the Derwent Valley Sport and Recreation Centre on Derwent Terrace in New Norfolk, and another at the Memorial Hall in Circle Street.”
“This morning we’ll be re-assessing the flooding and will update the community with any change to the warnings.”
“I remind everyone to keep up-to-date with TasAlert which is the official source of emergency warnings and information, and listen to ABC Radio who are our emergency broadcaster.”
“Overnight (in the 24-hours to 6am) SES crews responded to 277 requests for assistance, with 11 in the south, 214 in the north, and 51 in the north west.”
“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.”
“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.”
“A number of roads remain closed or hazardous, and I urge all motorists to check the Tasmania Police website community alerts before travelling, and remember – if it’s flooded, forget it.”
“I reiterate my message to the community – please stay informed and up-to-date, and make good decisions and stay safe.”
“If you need assistance from SES please call 132 500, or in a life-threatening emergency call Triple Zero (000).”
“Again, I extend my thanks to all of our dedicated SES volunteers who are working tirelessly to support their communities during this prolonged event – your dedication and ongoing work is deeply appreciated.”
“I’d also like to thank the businesses/employers who have released our volunteers – your support to our service, and the community, is highly valued.”
SES advises that people can stay up to date with:
• http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/
• TasALERT.com – for current warnings and advice or download the TasAlert app (TasALERT.com/download).
• https://www.ses.tas.gov.au – for advice on how to prepare and plan
• https://www.police.tas.gov.au/
• https://www.tasnetworks.com.