UPDATE: Flooding in the Northern Territory town of Katherine is expected to continue for at least a week as severe weather forecasts predict additional heavy rain. Hundreds of evacuees are currently sheltering in emergency centers, anxiously awaiting the all-clear to return home.
As of late Sunday, the Katherine River receded to 19.2m after peaking on Saturday, but authorities warn that the Daly River remains a critical concern, currently at 14.4m and predicted to rise further. Jude Scott, a senior officer at the Bureau of Meteorology, stated, “The Daly River is expected to continue to rise in the coming days towards the 15 metre or beyond level, and it is expected to remain in major flood for at least the next week.”
The situation has escalated, prompting urgent evacuations from the Daly River community, where residents have been airlifted to Darwin. This marks the second evacuation in recent months, following a similar crisis in early February. The current flooding is reportedly more severe, with significant damage anticipated to homes and essential services.
Residents are facing dire conditions as supermarkets run low on supplies, with reports of empty shelves due to halted deliveries. Local authorities indicate that new supplies are expected to arrive by Monday, but uncertainty looms over the ongoing crisis.
Katherine Mayor Joanna Holden emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the next few days are crucial as more rainfall is forecasted. Approximately 1,000 people have been relocated to evacuation centers across Darwin, Katherine, and Mataranka. Another 80 people were airlifted on Sunday as conditions prevented their departure the previous day.
As schools remain closed and are repurposed as emergency shelters, local and federal governments have announced support payments for residents affected by the floods. These include immediate relief payments capped at $1,537 per family, alongside funds to assist in replacing essential household items.
In addition to Katherine, flood warnings and watches extend across much of Queensland, where moderate to heavy rainfall is forecasted in the coming days. As the region grapples with this unfolding disaster, residents are urged to stay updated and heed official warnings.
Residents and officials are on high alert as the situation develops, with further updates expected as new data emerges.
