Northern Territory floods: Thousands evacuated, Crocs spotted in Katherine and Daly River areas
Northern Territory communities are grappling with one of the region’s worst floods in recent years, with emergency services racing to evacuate residents as rivers swell and dangerous conditions remain.
Authorities also issued stern warnings to stay away from floodwaters; Crocodiles were reportedly ‘absolutely everywhere’ and fast-moving rivers created deadly conditions for anyone nearby.
Approximately 1,000 Territors are currently sheltered in emergency centers across the region, and approximately 120 calls for help have been received in the past 24 hours.
Premier Lia Finocchiaro confirmed emergency declarations remain in place for the Katherine, Beswick and Daly River areas, but the alert in Beswick has been downgraded to watch and act.
“Yesterday, we reported that a major evacuation effort was ongoing. We managed to evacuate 220 people yesterday and I can now confirm that we have since been able to get everyone out of the Daly River, which is excellent news,” Ms Finocchiaro said.
Rivers at major flood levels
The Katherine River rose to 19.2 meters overnight, submerging homes and businesses and submerging the deck of the Katherine Bridge.
At least 90 homes experienced power outages over the weekend and Katherine Hospital was evacuated.
The river has begun to recede but remains above the main flood stage of 17.5 metres, marking the town’s worst flooding since 1998.
The Daly River is also under significant threat. Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jude Scott said daily readings reached 14.4 meters overnight and were expected to continue rising towards 15 metres.
“The Daly River is a huge river that holds a tremendous amount of water, so it will continue to rise slowly over the next week,” Mr Scott said, adding it could remain at major flood level until the end of next week.
As monsoon showers shift towards the north-west coast, Mr Scott warned isolated rainfall totals could still exceed 100mm, keeping river levels high even if there are no further major increases.
Evacuated communities
Many small communities faced rapid evacuations. In Palumpa, approximately 200 residents were taken by plane as floodwaters blocked low-lying houses, while 11 people were rescued by helicopter throughout the night.
Daly River residents are taking shelter in Darwin’s Foskey Pavilion for the second time this year after returning home just two weeks ago from the previous flood.
NT incident controller Commander Shaun Gill described the operations as “incredibly difficult” due to multiple moving parts.
“Helping the evacuation of remaining Territors is a top priority,” Mr Gill said.
While 100 people were evacuated in Jilkminggan due to the risk of flooding, about 60 people self-evacuated to nearby Mataranka with the help of police.
There was also moderate flooding in Beswick, but most homes remain safe on higher ground.
Croc alert
Authorities continue to warn of dangerous conditions, especially fast-flowing rivers and alligators.
“There are crocodiles everywhere… Please don’t go in the water,” Mr Gill said.
“The message is pretty clear. Don’t swim in the water for two reasons. This is because the river is flowing fast and it’s also when the crocodiles are most active.”
Disaster assistance for Katherine residents
Katherine residents will be eligible for emergency disaster assistance payments limited to $1,537 per family, $611 per adult and $309 per child.
A rebuilding assistance fund of up to $8,847 will also be provided for households that need to replace furniture, white goods, bedding and other items damaged by floodwaters.
“This is a truly difficult, stressful and heartbreaking time for the community,” Ms. Finocchiaro said.
