Katherine River Hits Five-Year High, More Rain Predicted

Residents of Katherine, located in Australia’s Top End, are being advised to review their flood preparedness as the Katherine River reaches significant heights. On Monday afternoon, the river peaked at 15.27 meters, just below flood levels, prompting authorities to issue safety warnings.

Katherine River Hits Five-Year High

The vital waterway has not seen levels this high since 2021, when it reached approximately 15.7 meters. This week, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts potential additional rainfall due to a nearby tropical low, which is expected to linger before shifting westward towards the Kimberley region. With forecasts indicating possible daily rainfall of 50 to 100 millimeters, residents must remain vigilant.

Flood Preparedness Advice

Senior meteorologist Billy Lynch emphasized the risk of further river rises over the coming days. In anticipation, Katherine’s Emergency Service chief officer, Wayne Snell, stressed the importance of reviewing flood kits. Key recommendations include:

• Check supplies such as batteries and non-perishable food.
• Ensure all necessary safety gear is included, such as portable radios and first aid kits.
• Store important documents and medications in waterproof bags.

Residents are encouraged to prepare for disruptions, especially as many rural areas have already been isolated due to smaller creek overflows. Some children have required boat transport to attend school, illustrating the immediate impact on daily life.

Community Engagement and Safety

Local veterinarian Rupert Trembath has been actively assisting neighbors. He advises moving livestock to elevated areas to protect them from muddy conditions. “It changes very quickly and is very variable,” he noted, advocating for community cooperation during this challenging time.

Katherine Mayor Joanna Holden expressed pride in the community’s proactive response, noting that many locals are stepping up to aid one another. “It’s magnificent to see the river pumping at full strength,” she stated. However, she also urged residents to remain cautious and stay informed by utilizing tools like Secure NT for emergency updates.

As preparations continue, local volunteers are finalizing their flood response measures, including testing boats to ensure operational readiness in case of flooding. With your safety at stake, maintaining awareness and readiness is essential as the Katherine River could rise further in the coming days.