Police warn residents to be cautious as Katherine River approaches whopping 16m after widespread rainfall
TERRITORIANS are being warned to stay away from rising flood waters as the Katherine River approaches a whopping 16m high following widespread rain
Northern Territory
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TERRITORIANS are being warned to stay away from rising flood waters as the Katherine River was expected to peak at a whopping 15m following widespread rain — but was approaching 16m high on Sunday morning.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a minor flood warning o Saturday after rainfall totals of 40 to 70mm fell over part of the Katherine River, resulting in water levels rising.
Light rainfall is forecast for the weekend and the Katherine River was anticipated to peak at 15m on Saturday, but as this picture from the river’s bridge cam shows, the level was close to 16m on Sunday morning.
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Commander Janelle Tonkin urged the community to stay clear of floodwaters and practise floodwater safety.
“We say it often, however the message remains the same – please don’t drive through flooded causeways, don’t go into flooded water ways and don’t launch water crafts into swollen rivers,” she said.
“The unseen hazards under flood waters could result in serious consequences.
“No flooding is expected in the town of Katherine (at the moment), however we will continue to monitor the situation and advise the community if further action is required.
“We are aware of an image currently circulating local social media pages of a person on a jetski on the Katherine River (on Saturday).
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“While this is not a criminal offence, it is just plain dangerous and in the instance someone becomes trapped or stuck in the river – they don’t just put themselves at risk but our local emergency services members at risk also.”
She said residents shouldn’t be concerned if they see emergency services in the Katherine River area, with NTES undertaking a flood boat course.
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