60 animals airlifted from devastated Daly River flood region, reports dogs taken by crocodiles

Updated

Around 60 animals have been airlifted out of the devastated Daly River flood zone and taken to nearby temporary kennels.

Half a tonne of dog food was airlifted in to ensure all remaining animals have enough feed while the town is evacuated.

Acting Chief Minister Willem Westra van Holthe said a plan was being drafted on how best to reunite animals and their owners over the coming days and weeks.

As reports trickle through of dogs being taken by crocodiles, he said the Animal Welfare Branch (AWB) was doing its best to save the lives of animals in the region.

"Two AWB inspectors have been in the community since Sunday and they were joined by two more and a veterinarian yesterday," Mr Westra van Holthe said.

"They're continuing to feed domestic animals such as dogs and cats, as well as rescuing a very lucky dog out of a croc infested waterway."

The team also conducted a survey to mark houses which indicated animals living there required care.

For the rescued animals, the helicopter ride took just 10 minutes and they were taken to temporary kennels at Five Mile.

The airlift was said to be the safest way to transport the animals and was not expected to cause harm or long lasting stress.

"With a major flood warning remaining for the Daly River region, it's important evacuated residents have some small comfort in knowing their animals are being looked after," Minister Westra van Holthe said.

Regional Police Commander Bruce Porter said: "They're doing all and every effort to ensure that every animal that's in the community is accounted for and brought across to dry, safe ground and looked after."

Highway reopens but flooding far from over

The Stuart Highway reopened to four-wheel-drive traffic, and the Northern Territory Infrastructure Department expected it to be passable by all cars later on Wednesday.

Department spokesman David Kerslake warned drivers there was still water on the road in places and driving conditions were dangerous.

"There is an over-mass restriction that will be in place for a while until we assess the pavement," Mr Kerslake said.

"But from what we can see there's no damage but obviously when waters laying on the road for that long the pavement gets saturated and soft so there might be damage that occurs after we open it."

A severe weather warning is in place for the Barkly and Simpson forecast districts, as the monsoon low continues to move south east.

Commander Porter said officers were monitoring flood levels in communities which may need to be evacuated, and especially those in the McArthur river region.

"We're still monitoring people who are on the fringes of the threatened areas just to ensure their safety continues and that they still have communication and the ability to self-evacuate if required," he said.

Topics: floods, animals, animal-welfare, daly-river-0822

First posted