While Police were pleased to see that the majority of drivers slowed right down, put their headlights on and drove to the conditions yesterday, the greatest concern was the number of children playing in storm water drains and flood water throughout the Northern Suburbs and Palmerston.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Jamie Chalker said Police had responded to a number of tragic incidents over the years where both children and adults had lost their lives.
“People, including adults, can be swept away with drains often running for kilometres before flowing into the ocean or rivers,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Chalker said.
“We don’t want to knock on any more doors to tell family that their loved one has drowned.
“There is a very real, high risk of serious injury or drowning as a result not to mention health concerns.
“Rapidly rising flood water can carry debris and other sharp objects which increase the risks of injury, including being knocked unconscious.
“Chemicals, poisons and sewerage can contaminate the water making people very sick.
“Drains often have grates at the end of them. Hitting a grate in the force of fast flowing water can result in injury including getting sucked through and stuck,” he said.
A/Assistant Commissioner Chalker urged people not to use storm water drains as playgrounds.
“We urge all parents to ensure their children do not play in storm water drains and flood water and to talk to their children about the dangers,” he said.
“There are plenty of safe swimming areas including your local pool and water parks to cool off.
“People need to heed this advice. We don’t want another tragedy to occur in order to effectively communicate this warning.”
Meanwhile both NT Emergency Services and Police provided assistance throughout the Top End yesterday afternoon as floodwater caused problems on our roads.
NTES director Peter Davies said seven NTES employees and 17 NTES volunteers helped people during the severe weather.
“Our people were on scene providing traffic control, assisting residents’ sand-bag houses and we helped transport school children across a creek in Berry Springs where rising water cut the road to the school,” Mr Davies said.
Police and NTES urge drivers to be careful as heavy rain makes conditions dangerous.
“Slow down, put your lights on and drive to conditions. Never drive through water if you are unsure of the depth,” Mr Davies said.
Media Contact
Gina Wilson
8985 8837
