NT community evacuated as floodwaters approach
By LLOYD JONES
in Darwin
An entire outback town in the Northern Territory is being evacuated as floodwaters bear down, with river levels tipped to exceed major flood thresholds over the weekend.
Around 450 people from the town of Daly River will be bussed to Darwin by Thursday afternoon to be housed in emergency accommodation.
Superintendent David Moore, the incident controller for the flood event, told reporters on Wednesday an emergency declaration was now in place.
Evacuations were a last resort but the safety of residents was his priority, he said.
“If you plan to self relocate now is the time to do it … while the roads are still open and passable,” he warned.
Superintendent David Moore has issued an emergency evacuation order for an entire outback town. (Lloyd Jones/AAP)
Supt Moore urged people not to drive through floodwaters and be wary of crocodiles and other wildlife in the rising water levels.
He could not say how many homes might be inundated but floodwaters were expected to pass the 14-metre level which meant water and sewerage would be cut off in the town.
“We’re still looking at the modelling in relation to whether homes will be inundated.”
Daly River community members had attended public meetings about the evacuation and buses were already on the way to take them to safety.
“Given the water levels are rising this is something that has to happen immediately,” Supt Moore said.
Under the emergency declaration Supt Moore has the power to evacuate people.
“No chances will be taken so everyone will be evacuated,” he said.
River levels are beginning to rise across the #NT as widespread showers and thunderstorms continue to impact many northern communities.Authorities would return residents to the town as soon as possible but given the major flood levels that might be a week away or longer, Supt Moore said.
Bureau of Meteorology NT manager Shanagh Gamble said a tropical low had brought rainfall totals of 300 to nearly 500mm in the Daly River catchment, causing rivers to rise.
That had prompted a major flood warning to be put in place for Daly River where levels were expected to exceed major flood thresholds over the weekend.
