People living in some remote parts of the Northern Territory will be evacuated due to flooding, with major and local roads expected to be impacted.
About 700 people in Kalkarindji, Dagaragu, Palumpa, Pigeon Hole and Yarralin, about 500km south of Darwin, will be flown to Katherine and taken by bus to Darwin.
NT Police Commander Danny Bacon said the emergency was the result of flooding in the Victoria River.
“Police have commenced evacuations of Pigeon Hole and Dagaragu communities,” he said.
“There’s up to about 700 residents within that particular region.”
He said 70 vulnerable people within those areas have been identified.
An emergency operation centre is open 24 hours a day as the wet weather continues.
“We’re asking residents of those particular communities to leave their animals … animals will not be evacuated, (teams) will attend to feed those animals,” he said.
Video shows how swiftly floodwaters can rise in New Zealand
The NT government said the upper Victoria River had reached major flood levels today.
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“Earlier predictions were that the river would reach moderate flood level, however that has now been exceeded.”
Regional Controller, Commander Daniel Bacon said: “Access roads to the communities have been cut. Daguragu has been isolated by floodwaters for two days and inundation of these communities is likely tonight.
“A decision has been made for the safety of the residents to evacuate.”
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Shenagh Gamble said a tropical low had brought heavy rain and strong winds to the area.
She said 100mm-150mm of rain fell last night.
About 60mm is on the way tonight, with isolated falls over 160mm possible in parts.
Gamble said the river had risen quickly and is at major flood level of over 16m.
“We expect that that river will keep rising to at least 17.5m”
A flood watch is current for much of the Top End.
