Almost 1000 left behind on Groote Eylandt as Trevor changes path

EVACUEES from the path of Cyclone Trevor could remain in Darwin well into next week — or longer — depending on the destruction the storm causes

Evacuees from Groote Eylandt after initial processing at Marrara Indoor Stadium. Picture: Glenn Campbell

EVACUEES from Tropical Cyclone Trevor could remain in Darwin well into next week, depending on the destruction the storm causes.

Territory Families youth justice general manager Brent Warren said no exact time could be put on these events but he expected evacuees to still be in Darwin on Monday.

“Always plan for the worst and work with the best, we are anticipating at this stage we’ll have people here until next week, the tracking we’ve got around the cyclone says that it will still be moving inland as a cyclone on Sunday, potentially into Monday,” he said.

Tropical Cyclone Trevor will continue to intensify off the western Peninsula coast as it moves southwest. A severe impact on the southwestern Gulf of Carpentaria coast is likely over the weekend. #CycloneTrevor https://t.co/AWJKLhynnl pic.twitter.com/pkby8abEO8

— Bureau of Meteorology, Northern Territory (@BOM_NT) March 21, 2019

“As the tracking has changed there’s an increased level of comfort. Those people can stay safe in shelters over there.”

Mr Warren said there were also a few people who chose to remain in their communities, though they had all been adequately informed about the cyclone’s trajectory.

“Obviously we brought people here to keep them safe from the weather event so we won’t be looking at returning them before we get the all clear at the other end.”

Foskey pavillion is ready for 500 people to try and get some sleep tonight, after they’re evacuated from areas vulnerable to #TCTrevor @TheNTNews pic.twitter.com/CxK8vKr2Fi

— Will Zwar (@zwar_w) March 21, 2019

However the trajectory meant about 850 were left behind on Groote Eylandt, advised to go to buildings they know are safe.

“People are still staying in Angurugu and Alyangula … the advice would be they go to strong buildings, strong safe places to shelter,” Mr Warren said.

TOP STORIES

• I WOULD never lie, says Chief Minister Gunner

• PUBLIC servant’s jilted stalking laid bare

• WOMAN suffers facial injuries in attack by ‘wild dogs’

• PM’s fiery face off with Waleed

• GUNNER’S leadership under serious threat

“There’s probably some people in outer areas of Borroloola that have elected to stay where they are at the moment,” he said.

• LIMITED TIME OFFER! SIGN up for Kayo plus NT News in our best ever subscription deal for sport lovers

“At the end of the day people are using their free choice about where they stay safe but our advice has been people in those areas need to get out, it’s quite a significant weather system.

• NT NEWS subscription special offer: $1 for first 28 days

“Everyone in the communities have been pleased with the level of communication and the advice they’ve been given, most people have taken up the offer to be transported out.”