Daly River evacuees begin returning home after weeks displaced by major flooding

Residents from Daly River (also known as Nauiyu) have begun returning home after spending more than two weeks in evacuation centres in Darwin following major flooding that cut roads, submerged infrastructure and pushed river levels beyond the major flood threshold.

Bus loads of evacuees left Darwin as floodwaters continued to recede, allowing authorities to move from emergency response into the first stages of recovery. Earlier this month, the Northern Territory government issued an emergency declaration for Nauiyu after days of rising water isolated the community and forced the evacuation of all but a handful of locals.

At its peak, the Daly River rose above 14 metres, inundating roads and leaving the local airstrip underwater. Police previously said most of the town had been “affected by floodwaters”, and that critical infrastructure had been transformed into “their own individual islands”. While some homes were impacted by water, authorities say the immediate focus is on restoring essential services and ensuring the return process does not place families at further risk.

Territory Recovery Coordinator Luccio Cercarelli said preparations had been underway to re-open access for essential workers and begin restoring key services, including healthcare, schooling and retail. “Road assessments will continue following repatriation” he said. “Public access to the Daly River Road remains closed, with permits required for essential workers.”

SecureNT, which has been coordinating aspects of the emergency response, urged families travelling back to follow official directions and continue monitoring conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated showers are forecast in the coming days but not at levels expected to trigger renewed flooding. However, authorities have maintained warnings in the broader region and advised residents to stay alert, particularly given the rapid changes that can occur in Top End weather patterns.

For Nauiyu residents, the return home marks a significant step after weeks living on temporary cots and makeshift arrangements far from Country. Community members have spoken throughout the evacuation period about the strain of separation, uncertainty over damage and the practical challenges of being away from home with children and elders.

The coming days will centre on clean-up, damage assessments and re-establishing routine services, alongside longer-term planning for a community that has faced repeated flood disruptions in recent years.