*Forty homes evacuated as Tasmania floods*

August 11, 2007 02:56am
Article from: AAP

FORTY homes have been evacuated as floodwaters surge towards residents'
doorsteps in Tasmania's northeast.

Three homes have been flooded at nearby Derby and another 15 homes are
affected by rising flood waters, a State Emergency Service (SES) worker
said.

The flooding comes just hours after after the Ringaroom River broke its
banks at 9.15pm (AEST) last night.

“Tasmania Police and SES have evacuated up to 40 homes at Branxholm and
evacuation centres were established at the Branxholm Football Ground,
the Scottsdale RSL and at the Derby Hall,” a spokesman said.

“The Branxholm River has breached its banks and the bridge at Branxholm
as been closed.”

Three homes in Derby have been evacuated, the spokesman said.

“The river is expected to continue to rise for the next two hours and
another 12 homes including the Derby Hotel are under threat and
currently being evacuated.”

Branxholm, 93km northeast of Launceston on the Tasman Highway, is a
quiet timber town nestled in a valley.

Branxholm residents are urged to phone 03 6336 3553 for flood updates.