Tasmania hit by severe flash flooding as wild weather wreaks havoc across the state

Homes evacuated as river rapidly rises, flooding low-lying areas

Residents urged to stay vigilant as severe weather warning remains in place

ROSS, TASMANIA - Torrential rain has lashed the island of Tasmania for several days, with residents in several towns and cities witnessing major flash flooding from the island's rivers. The SES received hundreds of calls for help, and while floodwaters have started to recede, several residents have been forced to evacuate their homes.

The torrent of water hit the state's northwest coast on Tuesday, with the Mersey River rising rapidly. It triggered emergency evacuations of several riverside homes in the town of Latrobe, with residents desperately scrambling to save belongings before their houses were engulfed by the river water.

In the state's north, the Meander River also broke its banks, flooding a caravan park in the town of Deloraine, while the South Esk River threatened to flood the city of Launceston. the SES has issued multiple flood warnings and urged residents to remain vigilant due to the possibility of further heavy rainfall.

The wet weather is set to continue, with the Bureau of Meteorology expecting more showers and even snowfall on Wednesday. Outgoing Premier Peter Gutwein has urged Tasmanians to stay up-to-date with weather warnings.

"This is an incredibly serious situation that we're facing here in Tasmania," Gutwein said. "The SES has been working around the clock to evacuate those affected and protect homes and businesses. We need to continue vigilant, follow the instructions of emergency services, and stay safe."