Tasmania Faces Power Outages and Flood Warnings After Severe Cold Front

Tens of thousands in Tasmania were left without power after a cold front brought damaging winds and heavy rains, resulting in flood warnings. Authorities reported significant damage to properties and infrastructure, and issued further warnings for upcoming storms. Emergency services have received 330 assistance requests.

Tens of thousands in Australia's southern island state of Tasmania were left without power on Sunday due to a cold front that brought damaging winds and heavy rains, sparking flood warnings.

Tasnetworks, the state-owned power company, reported that around 30,000 customers were affected. The weather forecaster stated that the cold front over Tasmania, with a population of around 570,000 people, was moving away, but showers and thunderstorms continued to pose risks of damaging wind gusts.

Tasmania's emergency management minister, Felix Ellis, mentioned that properties, power lines, and infrastructure had been damaged, predicting a significant damage bill. The Tasmania State Emergency Service issued warnings for flooding that could isolate residents for several days, with another cold front expected Sunday night.

Executive director of Tasmania State Emergency Service, Mick Lowe, warned about potential property inundation and road inaccessibility. The agency reported receiving 330 requests for assistance in the past 24 hours.

Tasmania, located a one-hour flight or 10-hour ferry crossing from Melbourne, is known for its vast wilderness and protected areas, which constitute about 40% of the island.

(With inputs from agencies.)