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Australia Deploys Troops as Northern Territory Faces Worst Floods in Decades

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the deployment of military personnel to assist communities in the flood-ravaged Northern Territory. The region around Katherine is experiencing its worst flooding in nearly three decades, leading to evacuations and significant property damage. In a separate incident in Queensland, two international tourists were found dead after their vehicle was discovered in floodwaters. The recovery effort is now underway with federal military support coordinated through a formal request from the Northern Territory government.

Key Points: Australian Troops Deployed to Assist Northern Territory Flood Recovery

  • ADF troops deployed for flood recovery
  • Katherine sees worst flooding in 30 years
  • Remote communities evacuated
  • Separate Queensland floods kill two tourists
  • Daly River sets new record water level
2 min read

Australian troops to be deployed to assist flood-hit Northern Territory

PM Anthony Albanese approves military aid for Katherine and Darwin River areas after severe flooding, as separate Queensland floods claim two tourist lives.

"To everyone doing it tough right now, know we are with you through the response and through the recovery. - Anthony Albanese"

Sydney, March 15

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday that military troops will be deployed to help communities hit by days of flooding in the Northern Territory.

The government has approved the assistance from Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to communities around Katherine, 270 km southeast of the territory's capital Darwin, with the recovery efforts after devastating floods, Albanese said on the social media platform X.

"To everyone doing it tough right now, know we are with you through the response and through the recovery," he added.

The Northern Territory government has requested help from the ADF, reports Xinhua news agency.

Since early March, the territory has been suffering from severe flooding. According to Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) news reports, Katherine has seen its worst flooding in nearly three decades, with several surrounding remote communities evacuated. Floods also inundated Darwin River homes and devastated rural properties, while the rising waters of Daly River set a new record.

No fatalities have been officially reported in the flooding in the Northern Territory so far, while two international tourists were killed in separate flood incidents in Queensland.

The 26-year-old man and 23-year-old woman were travelling about 250 km from Brisbane to the state's North Burnett region when they failed to reach their destination amid heavy rainfall and widespread flooding.

An emergency search involving police, helicopters and the State Emergency Service commenced on Wednesday morning, and a vehicle the pair were travelling in was located in floodwaters near the small town of Kilkivan, 175 km northwest of Brisbane, on Wednesday afternoon local time.

The Queensland Police Service confirmed on Thursday that two bodies were found inside the car.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Deploying the military for disaster relief is the right move. We've seen our own NDRF do incredible work during the Kerala floods and cyclones. Hope the ADF can help people get back on their feet quickly. Stay safe, everyone.
A
Aditya G
The scale of this sounds massive – worst flooding in 30 years for Katherine. Climate change is making these extreme weather events more common everywhere, from Australia to Assam. Global cooperation on disaster management is no longer optional, it's essential.
S
Sarah B
Those poor tourists. A holiday turned into a tragedy. It's a stark reminder to always check weather warnings, especially when travelling in unfamiliar terrain during monsoon or heavy rain seasons. My heart goes out to their families.
V
Vikram M
While the military deployment is commendable, I hope there's also a long-term plan for better flood infrastructure and early warning systems. Reactive measures are needed, but proactive planning saves more lives and property. Just my two cents.
M
Meera T
So sad about the lives lost. It reminds me of the Chennai floods. Communities come together in such times. Wishing strength to all the rescue workers and the people of Northern Territory. Hope the recovery is swift.

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