Queensland: Hundreds of residents in Australia’s Northern Territory are being evacuated as severe flooding triggered by tropical lows brings heavy rain across the Top End and parts of northern Queensland.
Authorities said around 600 people from remote communities are being airlifted to Darwin as rivers swell and floodwaters cut off roads and access routes.
Police incident control commander Shaun Gill said several communities were facing a major flood-level event, prompting urgent evacuations.
Major flooding along Daly and Katherine rivers
Flood warnings remain in place for the Daly and Katherine rivers, with heavy rainfall causing water levels to rise rapidly. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, between 160mm and 180mm of rain fell within 24 hours across parts of the Daly River catchment.
The Daly River reached 13.63 metres and is expected to surpass the major flood level of 14 metres, potentially reaching 14.5 metres by March 8. A large helicopter operation is underway to evacuate about 400 residents from Daly River (Nauiyu) after poor weather prevented rescue flights the previous day.
Northern Territory chief minister Lia Finocchiaro said displaced residents would stay at Foskey Pavilion in Darwin for an undetermined period. Lia Finocchiaro stated that, “They’ve just been repatriated back home and are now facing significant flooding again.”
Remote communities cut off
Emergency crews are also working to evacuate around 200 residents from Nganmarriyanga, formerly known as Palumpa, after floodwaters cut off road access.
Six aircraft have been deployed to support the evacuation effort, with dozens of residents already transported to Darwin.
Katherine under threat as river levels rise
Authorities warned that the town of Katherine could face worsening conditions as floodwaters continue to rise. The Katherine River reached 18.61 metres at Katherine Bridge and is forecast to climb to 19.2 metres, with further increases possible as upstream flows arrive. Flood rescue teams saved several residents trapped in their homes on Friday night as waters surged.
Levees activated for the first time
Acting NT police commissioner Travis Wurst confirmed that flood levees had been activated for the first time in Katherine.
While the town’s central business district remains largely dry, about 377 people are sheltering in the town, with emergency supplies being delivered as the area could remain isolated for several days.
Heavy rain spreads across Queensland
Meanwhile, a tropical low known as 29U is moving south-east across Queensland, bringing widespread rain and thunderstorms. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said heavy rainfall is expected across much of the state over the weekend.
Some regions have already recorded up to 150mm of rain, including areas between Townsville and Gladstone. A statewide flood watch is in place, with minor to moderate flooding possible across large parts of Queensland.
Major flood warnings are also active along western rivers, including the Georgina and Thomson rivers and the Eyre and Cooper creeks.
Climate change intensifying extreme rainfall
Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the risk of extreme rainfall events in Australia. Warmer global temperatures allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture, intensifying storms and flooding.
In 2025, global surface air temperatures averaged 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels, making it the third-hottest year on record. Experts say that for every 1°C rise in global temperatures, the atmosphere can hold about 7 percent more moisture, increasing the likelihood of intense rainfall and flooding.
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