Northern Territory Hit by Severe Floods, Residents Advised to Boil Water

Darwin, 11 March: Heavy rains and widespread flooding have caused major disruptions in Australia’s Northern Territory.

In the capital city of Darwin, the water supply system has been affected, prompting authorities to instruct residents to boil water before drinking. At the same time, in the town of Katherine, river levels have reached near-record heights, triggering major flood warnings.

Water Supply Disruption in Darwin

Authorities reported that the Darwin River Dam pumping station, the city’s main water source, has been damaged by floodwaters, causing supply issues. Residents have been advised to boil water before use—for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and preparing infant formula.

In a Tuesday update, Acting CEO of Power and Water Corporation (PWC) John Peace said water usage had not decreased as expected, necessitating restrictions.

He stated, “From this afternoon, residents may notice lower water pressure when opening taps.”

As part of emergency measures, the direction of water flow in pipelines is being adjusted and pressure reduced to maintain limited supply. PWC has also increased water supply from rural Borroloola to supplement the Darwin River Dam system.

Peace added that it may take about 48 hours to get the pumping system back online.

Following the boil water advisory, bottled water quickly sold out in Darwin supermarkets. The earlier flooding in the Katherine region had already disrupted supply chains.

The Northern Territory Health Department urged residents to use water sparingly—limited to drinking, cooking, preparing baby formula, and brushing teeth. Authorities said the advisory will be lifted once the water supply stabilizes and safety is confirmed. Peace noted that tap water may appear cloudy or discolored but is safe for bathing.

Severe Flooding in Katherine

Flooding in Katherine has reached alarming levels, with the Katherine River swelling to nearly 19.2 meters—surpassing 2006 flood levels and approaching the highest since the catastrophic 1998 floods.

Many parts of the town are submerged, with some homes experiencing water up to their rooftops. At least 90 homes have lost power, and numerous roads are impassable.

The Katherine Hospital has been evacuated, with patients airlifted to Darwin, and hundreds have taken shelter in three emergency centers.

Flood Warnings in Daly River

Daly River in the Northern Territory is also experiencing major flooding, with water levels exceeding 14 meters. Authorities have issued flood warnings and evacuated several remote communities. Emergency services are using helicopters and boats to rescue stranded residents, while many remain in temporary shelters due to power and communication outages.

“Unprecedented Situation”

The Darwin River Dam, located about 50 kilometers south of Darwin, supplies roughly 85% of potable water to the city’s 150,000 residents.

Heavy storms and rain on Monday caused the dam to overflow, reaching 110% of its capacity. Peace explained that automatic safety systems shut the pumps to prevent damage.

Workers are attempting to access the submerged pumping station and plan to connect temporary generators. He emphasized that evaluating the situation and ensuring worker safety was the top priority before public communication.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro reassured residents, saying, “There is no need to panic; this is not a situation of alarm.” A generator is already on site to expedite restoration efforts.

Health Risks and Precautions

Chief Health Officer Paul Burgess said the boil water advisory is precautionary.

“Heavy rains may allow contaminants or bacteria to enter backup groundwater supplies,” he said. While health risks are low, bacteria such as E. coli from nearby septic tanks could cause illnesses like diarrhea.

The storms have also caused damage in Darwin’s surrounding rural areas, with many roads remaining closed. Residents are advised to check the NT Road Report for the latest information. Meteorologist Jess Lingard reported up to 120 mm of rainfall in Darwin on Monday, with 40–50 mm more expected Tuesday.

Rescue Operations Intensify

Emergency services have rescued residents stranded during flash floods. Two cars attempting to cross flooded roads were swept away—one fully submerged, the other partially. Rescue teams also assisted people trapped in homes in Tumbling Waters, Berry Springs, and Livingstone, with all rescued safely and no injuries reported.

Flood Concerns in Adelaide River

Heavy rainfall continues south of Darwin in the Adelaide River area, where a flood warning was issued Tuesday morning. The area recorded 115 mm of rain in just three hours. While no immediate major threat exists, authorities have warned residents to be alert for potential minor flooding later in the day.

The weather bureau has cautioned that ongoing seasonal rains continue to raise river levels, and further heavy rainfall could worsen flooding. Residents are urged to follow emergency instructions and stay vigilant.