Flooding along the Daly River in Australia’s Northern Territory is expected to remain at major levels for at least another week, delaying the return of residents to their homes.
The warning comes from the Bureau of Meteorology, which says floodwaters are likely to stay high even though the river may have already reached its peak.
River still at dangerous levels
Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said the Daly River peaked on Sunday morning at 16.42 metres.
As of Monday lunchtime the river remained extremely high at 16.33 metres, still within the category of major flooding.
Bradbury warned that water levels are likely to stay elevated for some time.
“It may be some time yet before those people can return home,” she said.
Communities waiting to return
Flooding has affected communities around the Daly River region, where residents may have to wait several days before conditions are safe enough to access properties.
Authorities say the slow fall in water levels means the recovery process could take time.
Nearby rivers are also slowly receding.
The Katherine River has begun to drop after earlier flooding.
New weather threat emerging
Meteorologists are now watching a new weather system developing across central Australia.
A band of tropical moisture is moving across the country, bringing storms and heavy rainfall.
A severe weather warning is currently in place across parts of south-western Northern Territory and northern South Australia.
More flooding possible
Bradbury warned that some areas could see 100 millimetres of rain or more over the coming days.
Because the ground is already saturated from earlier rainfall, the risk of additional river flooding is high.
“Everything is already saturated and the chance we will see riverine flooding again is quite high,” she said.
Authorities are urging residents to stay alert as conditions continue to evolve across central Australia.