"As of now 5 people have escaped. It has been going on for about 8+ hours now. 3 men escaped a few hours ago and then recently 2 woman. There are still about 40 hostages still stuck with the man who has taken them all under siege in the chocolate shop/ cafe Lindt in the CBD. It's about a 15 minute drive from both where we live and work. He picked that shop bc it's across from major news broadcasters, near the major train and bus lines, near the shopping and big banking / businesses. The packages that were suspicious at the opera house and art gallery were found to be nothing so at the moment this is the only thing currently happening. He has made the hostages periodically through the day hold up propaganda in the window. We are safe here ATM in Coogee. Traffic is quite light on the roads and there aren't that many buses about."
Thanks for the update from your daughter.
OMG - prayers up that your daughter/family stay safe and well.