An Emergency Situation Declaration has been made for Katherine, Wugularr (Beswick) and Daly River as flooding impacts continue to develop across the Big Rivers region.
The declaration has been made under the Emergency Management Act 2013 to ensure emergency services have the necessary powers to manage evacuations, restrict access to dangerous areas and coordinate recovery activities.
Evacuation directives have been declared for the communities of Palumpa and Daly River, with approximately 150 residents in Palumpa expected to be relocated as floodwaters continue to rise and the community remains isolated.
Residents in these areas are urged to prepare their homes and pack essential items
Emergency shelters are now open in Katherine at Katherine High School, MacFarlane Primary School and Casuarina Street Primary School.
Residents who choose to shelter should bring at least three days of food, drinking water, medications and essential supplies, as food is not provided at the shelters.
An Emergency Warning for major flooding is currently in place for Nitmiluk, Katherine Township and Beswick, with river levels expected to meet or exceed levels previously experienced during the 2000 flood event.
A Watch and Act alert is in place for the Daly River, where major flooding is expected early next week, and a Flood Advice has been issued for the Adelaide River and surrounding catchments.
Residents in low-lying areas along the Katherine River between Nitmiluk and downstream of the township are urged to move to higher ground now and enact their emergency plans.
NT Health has relocated the Katherine Hospital Emergency Department to St John Ambulance headquarters as a precaution. Patients have been transferred to other NT hospitals in Darwin, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Gove, with a temporary mini emergency department operating in Katherine to support urgent care.
In Wugularr (Beswick) the Waterhouse River has reached major flood level, with residents relocated from bottom camp to higher ground. A boil water alert is also in place in Palumpa following impacts to the local water supply system.
Northern Territory Emergency Services are urging residents across the region to remain alert and prepared as conditions continue to evolve. Residents should prepare emergency kits with at least three days of supplies, secure important items above potential flood levels and avoid unnecessary travel.
Severe weather can disrupt essential services and residents should prepare for the possibility of up to 72 hours without power or water. Anyone who relies on life-support equipment should enact their emergency backup plans.
Residents are reminded never to enter floodwaters. Flooded roads and crossings may conceal hazards, debris and washed-out surfaces, and crocodiles are an ever-present risk in waterways across the Top End.
The community is encouraged to stay informed by monitoring SecureNT, the Bureau of Meteorology, ABC Local Radio, and checking road conditions at roadreport.nt.gov.au here.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
