Flooding threatens northern territory as crocodiles roam floodwaters
Residents in the Northern Territory are facing a perilous situation as relentless tropical lows unleash major flooding, prompting warnings to stay away from crocodile-infested waters. Hundreds have been evacuated, and the situation is escalating rapidly.
Heavy rainfall and rising rivers spark evacuations
The Katherine River peaked at 19.2 metres on Saturday night, the highest level since the devastating floods of 1998 which resulted in three fatalities. The Daly River, meanwhile, is expected to surpass 1957 levels – 15.3 metres – within the next week. The NT Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, confirmed the complete evacuation of Nauiyu/Daly River as of Sunday afternoon, a stark illustration of the escalating crisis.
Shaun Gill, the NT incident control acting commander, issued a stark warning: “Don’t swim in the water for two reasons. It’s because it’s a fast-flowing river, and also this is when crocs are most active.” Reports of crocodiles swimming in residential areas have fueled public fear, with one resident describing seeing a crocodile floating down a street.
The flooding has also disrupted essential services. Power outages have affected at least 90 homes, and telecommunications issues have hampered emergency calls. While water levels in Katherine have begun to recede slightly, the Bureau of Meteorology warns of the potential for renewed rises with further rainfall. The Stuart Highway remains closed, isolating communities and hindering supply chains.
The federal and territory governments are responding with financial assistance. Families in the Katherine local government area are eligible for assistance payments capped at $1,537, with a re-establishment fund available for eligible households up to $8,847. Jude Scott of the Bureau of Meteorology predicts the Daly River could remain at major flood level for at least this week and into next, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
Angus Hines, a senior meteorologist, emphasized the cumulative impact of a “long and quite widespread wet season,” with potential for major flooding across the southeast of Queensland as the tropical low moves southward. Two individuals who had remained at Katherine Hospital were evacuated to Darwin, and 20 pregnant women were airlifted as a precaution. Government offices and schools will remain closed on Monday.
The #BeCrocwise campaign is urging residents to exercise extreme caution, advising people to stay away from waterways and assume any river could contain a crocodile. The situation underscores the increasing risks posed by extreme weather events and the urgent need for robust preparedness measures.
The current flooding is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities in the Northern Territory and Queensland to the intensifying effects of climate change.