Region 2 Regional Controller, Commander Bruce Porter APM, said that the Bureau of Meteorology advises that a cyclone WATCH is now in place between Numbulwar to Maningrida, including Nhulunbuy and Groote Eylandt.
As at 1100hrs CST Tropical Cyclone Nathan is currently a Category 3 cyclone estimated to be 820 kilometres east southeast of Nhulunbuy and 810 kilometres east of Groote Eylandt and moving west northwest at 16 kilometres per hour.
“For those communities under cyclone WATCH, now is the time to put together your emergency kit, clear your yards and commence home shelter preparations. Fill any water containers you may have to ensure that you have at least three litres of water per person per day for at least 72 hours and fill your vehicles’ fuel tanks.
“If you do not have accommodation constructed to the building code or are unsure of your present accommodation you should determine now where to shelter. This may include arranging to shelter with family, friends, or in public emergency shelters or appropriately strong buildings that are available in your community.
“Please ensure that friends, family and neighbours have heard and understood this message, particularly new arrivals to the area.
“Tune in to your local radio and/or television stations for further information and warnings,” said Commander Porter.
Commander Porter also said that the Department of Housing have 15 staff, including structural engineers, currently on Elcho Island who have been given the task of checking every house and building in the community to ascertain the number that would be suitable to accommodate persons in the event that Tropical Cyclone Nathan impacts the island.
The Territory Emergency Management Council will consider the information at its meeting this afternoon at 2.00pm before making any decision in relation to accommodating residents of Camp Elcho and other residents on the island.
For the latest Bureau of Meteorology Advice go to: www.bom.gov.au
Further information can be found about how to prepare can be found at www.secureNT.nt.gov.au