Flood Update – 7.00am, 17 October 2022

 The flood situation is easing across the north and north west as rivers slowly recede.

There is still significant flooding and this will continue to subside over the coming days after the peak was reached on the South Esk River early on Sunday morning,” said the State Emergency Service Acting Director, Leon Smith.

“The easing situation is reflected in the SES warnings – there are no current Emergency Warnings in effect.  There are Watch and Act warnings current for Carrick to Blackstone Heights and Trevallyn Dam to Tailrace Park  All warnings are available on the TasALERT site.”

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a minor flood warning for the South Esk and the North Esk Rivers, which are both contributing to the flows in the kanamaluka/River Tamar.

Locations likely to be impacted are: River edge along the lower South Esk River from Trevallyn Dam to Royal Park, and river edge along the mouth of the North Esk and up to Tailrace Park along the kanamaluka/River Tamar.

“The SES has utilised ground crews, drones and a Special Intelligence Gathering Helicopter over the last few days to identify flood impacts across Tasmania,” said Mr Smith.

“They have identified damage bridges, roads, homes, and other impacts. The information is being used by Government agencies and Municipal Councils to support affected communities’ recovery from the event.

The helicopter from Victoria has the capability to provide near real-time video streaming back to control centres and record geolocated video, photos, and information.  

Data is expected to be assessed over coming days and will inform recovery planning.

To date 53 residential, 18 businesses and 21 community facilities have been damaged by the floodwaters in the North and North West regions.

SES did not receive any new requests for assistance overnight, however SES crews were actively monitoring conditions along some of the rivers throughout the night and into this morning.

Road closures continue to be in place across impact areas due to flood and storm damage. Roads will remain closed, even if there is no water across them, until they have been assessed as safe.   Road closure information is available on the Tasmania Police – Community Alerts website.

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised the weather situation has eased.  However with some roads and bridges impacted, it’s important to drive to the conditions and do not drive through flood waters. Flood waters are a risk to safety, never walk, play, ride, or drive in floodwater.

The Tasmania Emergency Information Service has been established to provide flood-affected communities with general information throughout this weather event. People can call 6145 5303.

For flood and storm assistance call 132 500 and for life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero.

Tasmania Police is reminding drone operators to be safe and aware of the rules surrounding the use of unmanned aircraft, particularly those that may restrict flying where emergency operations using aircraft are under way.

SES flood warnings are on TasALERT and should be carefully monitored.

Advice to community:

SES urge people to seek further information and keep up-to-date with information from:

In the event of heavy rainfall and flooding:

  • Check that family and neighbours, especially those who are vulnerable, are aware and have a plan in place.
  • Supervise children closely.
  • Minimise unnecessary travel.
  • Never enter or drive through floodwaters, and when driving look out for debris on roads including fallen trees and power lines.
  • Manage pets and livestock.
  • Be prepared for flash-flooding.
  • Be prepared for power outages.
  • Listen to the ABC radio.

For assistance:

  • Tasmania Emergency Information Service for flood-affected communities with general information throughout this weather event on 6145 5303 for the cost of a local call.
  • Call SES on 132 500 for flood and storm-related emergency assistance.
  • Dial Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.