Police are advising residents of Alice Springs living along the Todd River to prepare for the possibility of flooding following continuing rain in the area.
The Alice Springs Counter-Disaster Committee was convened this morning after the Todd River water levels continued to rise overnight. Most causeways were closed overnight and Taffy Pick Crossing was closed at 10.30am today. The Power and Water Road which is the alternate route from the Golf Course area was opened at the same time.
Northern Territory Emergency Service Volunteers are in the process of door knocking residences in the South terrace and Barrett Drive area advising them of the possibility the Todd could break it's banks and impact on homes in the area. Residents are being advised to make contingency plans to move to higher ground or go to relatives or friends homes which are not in the flood prone area if possible.
Counter Disaster Controller Acting Superintendent Malcolm Passmore said the Counter Disaster flood plan for Alice Springs has been activated while the river level is currently at category C.
"The plan includes advising people of the potential for localised flooding of the river," Acting Superintendent Passmore said.
" NTES volunteers are door knocking the area to simply advise residents they should plan for localised flooding in their area. If they are able to spend the day with relatives or friends in a non-flood prone area, this would be a good contingency plan, however, for those who don't have that option, they can make preparations by preparing an emergency kit, placing furniture and valuables off the floor, and planning transport to emergency shelters if and when this is required.
"Should the river continue to rise impacting on the homes in the flood prone area, the emergency shelter at the Alice Springs High School will be opened, but this is not anticipated at present.
"In the meantime people are urged to listen for flood warning updates on ABC Radio (783 am). "
For further advice on road conditions motorists are urged to check the road conditions before their trip by phoning the Department of Planning and Infrastructure road conditions hotline 1800 246 199 or check the website at http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/roadreport.
Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
8951 8825
0419 803 603
