Entire Daly River community submerged by floodwaters
Authorities in the Northern Territory say the remote community of Daly River has been almost completely submerged after severe flooding across the Top End.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the scale of the disaster meant virtually every structure in the town was underwater.
“There is not a building in Daly River that is not under water,” she told reporters.
Many homes are submerged up to the roofline, according to officials.
Residents evacuated to safety
All residents in the affected region have been evacuated.
People from Daly River and surrounding areas were transported north to Darwin, where emergency support is being provided.
Authorities say the evacuation ensured there were no residents left in immediate danger as floodwaters rose.
Waiting for floodwaters to recede
Emergency crews say recovery efforts cannot begin until water levels fall.
“We have to let that river go down before we can take any further steps,” Finocchiaro said.
The Daly River remains heavily swollen after record rainfall across northern Australia.
Record flooding across the Top End
Large parts of the Northern Territory have experienced severe flooding in recent weeks.
Data and mapping analysis have shown the floods are among the largest on record in northern Australia.
Communities, roads and infrastructure across remote areas have been heavily impacted.
Recovery expected to take time
Once the floodwaters recede, authorities will begin assessing damage to homes and public infrastructure.
Officials warn that rebuilding efforts could take months or even longer, depending on the extent of the destruction.
For now, emergency teams remain focused on ensuring evacuated residents are supported while the region waits for the floodwaters to retreat.