Around 250 people from the remote Northern Territory community of Jilkminggan, 145km south of Katherine, are being evacuated as rising waters threaten to surround the town.
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NT Police issued a statement on Thursday at 5.30pm announcing "rapidly rising waters have surrounded Jilkminggan community".
The Local Emergency Committee assembled quickly this afternoon and decided to evacuate the community as a precaution, according to NT Police.
According to the statement, the residents are being taken to the closest town - Mataranka, about 38 kilometres away - by boat and bus and will be provided temporary accommodation at the town hall.
Regional Controller Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said, "access roads to Jilkminggan have been cut and the community is now surrounded by water.
"Inundation is predicted in the near future.
"A decision has been made for the safety of the community to evacuate today.
"The evacuees will be looked after in Mataranka tonight, and a decision will be made tomorrow or coming days whether they will be relocated, depending on the situation."
NT Police are warning people in the area should avoid unnecessary travel to allow for the safe evacuation to take place.
