Authorities are concerned the overflowing South Esk and North Esk rivers may cause damage to Tasmania’s second city not seen since 1929. Follow all today’s developments
4.53am BST
Tasmanian police have again urged people to stay away from flood water, telling local media there had already been 100 rescued – 20 by helicopter.
Tasmanian premier Will Hodge has said there will be “an extraordinary cost” after the disaster.
Cataract Gorge swells as the cafe is evacuated. @WINNews_Tas pic.twitter.com/XjQQk7g44L
4.45am BST
Natural disaster arrangements will be in place, and affected communities will get all the support they need, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says.
Turnbull and NSW Premier Mike Baird visited Picton, southwest of Sydney, on Tuesday where they inspected damage and recovery efforts, AAP reports.
Turnbull said he had spoken with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and agreed to natural disaster arrangements which would have no total funding cap, but limits on some of the grants and loans available to households and businesses.
Thirty-seven local government areas have been affected in NSW alone.
Continue reading…
Source: Guardian Environment