A Flood Watch is current for the Bonaparte and North West Rivers, with heavy rainfall likely to lead to strong river rises which may lead to Flood Warnings for some rivers, including the Daly River.

Bureau of Meteorology predictions suggest that with heavy rainfall expected today and tomorrow, there is the potential that waters may rise in the Daly River community to Minor Flood levels on Saturday, and Moderate Flood levels on Monday.

“Local Emergency Management Committees have met per the Territory Emergency Management Plan. The Daly River Emergency Plan has been activated and the community is prepared for a flood event,” Northern Region Emergency Controller, Assistant Commissioner Matthew Hollamby said.

“In the interest of public safety and given the forecast, an emergency situation has been declared and a decision has been made to initiate an evacuation of the community of Daly River.”

“The evacuation is expected to begin today at around 12.00pm, and will hopefully be completed by late this afternoon.”

There are approximately 380 people (some have already self-evacuated) in the community who are expected to be evacuated by bus to the Foskey Pavillion in Darwin.

A Recovery Assistance Hotline has been established for anyone who has questions relating to the assistance available to them during or after the evacuation. The number is 1800 700 250 (press Option 4).

Before departing, residents are asked to:

• Empty the fridge and turn off all taps
• Lift appliances and furniture up above flood level
• Put animals outside (People cannot take their pets to Foskey Pavillion. Please release animals and allow them to roam free)

There will be numerous feeding centres at key locations around the community to ensure all animals have access to food, water and shelter. Daily visits will occur to monitor animal health and wellbeing. Please feed your pets before you leave and ensure there is food and water.

What to bring to the Evacuation Centre:

• 1 bag (which you can carry) per person.

• Clothes and underwear enough for a few days
• Personal items like towels and toiletries
• Medicines (and prescriptions if they are going to run out of pills)
• Nappies, toys and other things for children and babies
• Some form of identification
• Medicare card
• Bank account details

For the latest weather information please visit www.bom.gov.au.

Follow www.SecureNT.nt.gov.au for all the latest safety advice.