Authorities in Australia's Northern Territory have issued a stark warning to residents: "Crocodiles are everywhere, please do not enter the water." The caution comes as tropical low pressures bring heavy rain and severe flooding to the Northern Territory and Queensland, prompting the evacuation of hundreds. Acting Incident Controller Shaun Gill emphasized the danger on 8/3, stating, "Floodwaters are very swift, and this is also when crocodiles are most active."

The Katherine River peaked at 19.2 meters on the evening of 7/3, its highest level since a 1998 flood claimed three lives. Meanwhile, the Daly River is expected to surpass a 70-year record this week.

The Northern Territory is home to Australia's largest crocodile population, estimated at 100,000 saltwater crocodiles concentrated in major river systems. Local officials caution that these predators can appear in unexpected places, including creeks, drains, and flooded roads. A statement from the Northern Territory government advised, "Please note that any flooded area can have crocodiles; keep yourself, children, and pets away from the water."

Flooding in Katherine, Northern Territory, 8/3. Photo: Guardian

Flooding in Katherine, Northern Territory, 8/3. Photo: Guardian

Over the weekend, hundreds of people were evacuated. By the afternoon of 8/3, the entire town of Nauiyu/Daly River in the Northern Territory had been cleared. Approximately 1,000 individuals are currently sheltering in evacuation centers. Authorities deployed 6 planes, 18 helicopters, and numerous boats for the rescue operations.

The Northern Territory, a vast federal territory in central and north-central Australia with its capital in Darwin, is facing sustained severe flood levels. Jude Scott, an expert from the Bureau of Meteorology, Australia, predicted that the Daly River, a very large river holding immense water, would see flood levels rise next week. Angus Hines, another expert, noted that the region is experiencing the cumulative impact of a prolonged and widespread wet season. Flood warnings have been issued for the neighboring southeast Queensland in anticipation of further heavy rain.

Duc Trung (According to Guardian, CNN, ABC News)