Disaster Assistance for Affected Residents

7 March 2023

Disaster assistance has been activated for residents affected by severe flooding in the communities and surrounding homelands in Kalkaringi, Daguragu, Pigeon Hole and Palumpa, following heavy rain and strong winds from a slow moving tropical low.

The Territory Government is deploying teams to the regions to assess the damage and plan for the next steps in the recovery.

Nearly $2.8 million has been so far allocated by the Territory Government towards the response and recovery effort so we can get families back into their homes as soon as possible.

Affected residents are being provided a total of $1400 per family or $560 per adult. Half of the payment will paid now while they are at the Centre of National Resilience and the other half will be administered to assist them in settling back at home.

The Territory Government may seek further assistance from the Australian Government when the damage assessment is complete.

Evacuations have completed with 533 people currently staying at the Centre for National Resilience, where Services Australia and the Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities have been providing clothing and food.

Children have also been attending a number of schools around Darwin.

Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:

“An emergency declaration remains in force for Kalkarindji, Daguragu, Yarralin, Pigeon Hole and Palumpa.

“533 people are currently at CNR. I thank our Government agencies for working around the clock to make sure our evacuees are cared for.

“Impact Assessment Teams are currently on the ground assessing damage in affected communities and planning is underway to get people back home as soon as it’s safe.

“Medical treatment has been received by those needing it, and teams are working to ensure the ongoing health and safety of all evacuees, and all school-aged children in the CNR are attending school.”

Northern Territory Government