Cyclone Narelle Forces Hospital Evacuations in Top End

Patients from Katherine Hospital, including pregnant women, have been evacuated due to the impending arrival of Tropical Cyclone Narelle. Up to 30 patients are being transferred to Royal Darwin and Palmerston hospitals as the Northern Territory's Top End braces for severe flooding.

Katherine Hospital will maintain medical services, redirecting new admissions to northern facilities. The town's population of 10,000 is taking the threat seriously, with sandbagging underway. This follows recent inundation, and recovery efforts are strained by the prospect of further damage.

Cyclone Narelle, initially a category two, strengthened to a category three upon making landfall north of Groote Eylandt. Warnings are in place for areas from Nhulunbuy to Port McArthur, with expectations of abnormally high sea levels and widespread heavy rain, potentially exceeding 300 mm. Very destructive winds gusting up to 195 km/h are also forecast.

In Numbulwar, approximately 500 residents were evacuated to Darwin as a precaution. Other affected communities are advised to shelter in place with an emergency plan. Public shelters are opening, and residents at home are urged to move to the most secure room with their emergency kits, ensuring no one ventures outside.