Debris delays search for missing 81yo

Vast amounts of debris continue to hamper the search for a man swept away during floods in central Tasmania.

Farmer Trevor Foster, 81, was last seen a fortnight ago by his wife as he was knocked from his feet by floodwaters at his Ouse property while tending his stock.

Subsequent land, air and water searches, including the use of cadaver dogs, have failed to find his body and on Monday crews had hoped to resume their efforts.

But an assessment of the area deemed that debris left by the floods, which pushed the Ouse River to 6.7 metres above its normal level, would make the search too difficult and police postponed its resumption.

Further north at Evandale, weather cleared allowing the search to continue for Peter Watson, 63.

He was swept away as rising waters inundated his newspaper delivery van.

Mr Watson's wife escaped the vehicle and was later rescued by helicopter but after 13 days he has not been seen.

Police have said they are committed to finding the men's bodies.

Grandmother Mary Kathleen Alford, 75, died in the floods that took some rivers to their highest levels since 1929.

More than 110 people were rescued from floodwaters, roof tops and stranded vehicles across Tasmania's north, with some 260 properties flooded.

The damage bill has been estimated in excess of $100 million.