Arabic version: فيضانات شديدة تجبر على إجلاء السكان في مجتمعات الإقليم الشمالي

Major flooding across the Northern Territory has led to the evacuation of almost a thousand residents, marking the worst flooding since the catastrophic levels of 1998. Phillip Morgan, a resident of Nauiyu, has been among those displaced as the Daly River rises following heavy rainfall. According to SBS News, he recalls the previous disaster that devastated his community when he was just 19 years old.

Over the weekend, all residents from the Nauiyu/Daly River area, along with those from Palumpa, Beswick, and Jilkminggan, were evacuated, many airlifted by helicopters. This marks the second evacuation in a month for residents of Daly River, as flooding has forced them to leave their homes once again. The current flooding is reported to be more severe, with damage assessments still pending.

The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that the Daly River is expected to continue rising throughout the week, although current levels are not anticipated to surpass the peak recorded in 1998. Local resident Simon Wade Jones expressed shock at being evacuated so soon after returning from a previous evacuation due to floods in February.

As floodwaters recede in Katherine, located about 300 kilometers southeast of Darwin, a major clean-up effort is underway. Flood levels in Katherine peaked at approximately 19.2 meters, the highest in nearly three decades. The local mayor has emphasized the strong sense of community as residents begin the recovery process. Disaster assistance payments have been activated to aid those affected in Katherine.

In Darwin, residents are advised to reduce water usage due to damage to water pumps at the main dam caused by flooding. The Power and Water Corporation is working on restoring services, and food supplies are being replenished after shelves were left empty in local supermarkets. Rail lines reopened to facilitate the delivery of food to the city following the flooding.