The preparatory Counter Disaster Committee meeting was held this morning in Nauiyu Community.
The Local Police Controller invited the community members to attend this meeting in addition to the required stakeholders to discuss any issues and go over the plans.
Up to 60 community members took this opportunity to attend.
While the Daly River/ Nauiyu Community stand ready to activate an evacuation plan if required, Superintendent Danny Bacon says it’s all eyes on the Bureau of Meteorology reports and river levels for now,
“A moderate flood warning has been issued for the Daly River District with a projected river height of 13.1 metres at the Daly River Crossing late Saturday afternoon 31 December 2011.
“This morning’s meeting confirmed that we have therefore activated stage 1 of the Daly River Flood Plan.
“While this is not unusual for this time of year, planning is well underway to prepare the community for what may be required as we closely monitor the next couple of days.
“There is no evacuation occurring at this minute but again, that may change pending further monitoring of the situation.
“Territory Response Group Officers, Water Police, NT Emergency Service crew and their flood boat are all being deployed to the region on standby.
“Again, drivers are reminded to carefully consider their options before trying to cross any flooded roadways. Trying to predict the water depth or not being able to see if the road is still intact could have fatal consequences.
“It is important the public remain vigilant regarding croc awareness. While there are always crocs in the Daly River, it will become more difficult to tell the depth or speed of the water which could also be carrying submerged objects such as logs.
“Parents were reminded this morning to talk to their children about water safety, especially about the risks of swimming in swollen rivers and drains.” Superintendent Bacon concluded.
Further updates and advice will be provided in accordance with ongoing monitoring and planning.
Flood warnings and river levels can be accessed through the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au
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For information on crocodiles, visit www.nt.gov.au/becrocwise.
