A search and rescue operation is underway in the Northern Territory for a 62-year-old man missing in floodwaters as monsoonal rains continue to batter the Top End.
Key points:
- 62yo man last seen one week ago near Palumpa
- Eight schools forced to closed by floodwaters
- Daly River residents will spend at least a week in evacuation centre
Police said the man was last seen a week ago near Palumpa, south-west of Darwin, when he told a friend he had planned to cycle about 20 kilometres to a nearby outstation.
"The last known contact with the man was the 24th of January, last Wednesday, when he told a friend that he intended to cycle from his outstation, which is Leichhardt Outstation, to Kelerrk Outstation," Duty Superintendent Rob Farmer said.
"There's a creek between the two outstations, it would've been flowing quickly in current weather conditions and we have concerns for his safety."
An aerial search started yesterday afternoon but was suspended due to rough weather conditions.
It was resumed today at first light, Duty Superintendent Farmer said.
Police renewed their warnings to anyone attempting to navigate flooded roadways or waterways.
"You should avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current, and we would recommend that everyone stays away from flooded streams, rivers and waterways," Duty Superintendent Farmer said.
Weather forces schools to close
A number of Top End schools were closed this morning until further notice, due to the recent downpours which have closed a number of roads across the top of the Territory.
In the Daly River region, Adelaide River School and Woolaning School will be closed today, as will Kiana School and Lajamanu School, in the Katherine region.
Nganambala School, Nganmarriyanga School, Peppimenarti School and Woolianna School will be closed until further notice.
The Department of Education and the Catholic Education Office will coordinate the delivery of education services to all students evacuated from Daly River to Darwin over the past 24 hours.
Daly River evacuees displaced for a week
Two dozen helicopters and 10 buses were used to evacuate 343 people from Daly River to Darwin over the past two days, as floodwaters inundated the community.
The residents were airlifted to Batchelor before being transported to Darwin by bus, many carrying the barest of essentials.
It is likely they will stay at the evacuation centre for at least a week, with the river expected to remain at major flood level until Monday.
Motorists are being urged to check road closures on the NT Road Report website for the latest updates and advices regarding road conditions.
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