Mr KURRUPUWU - 2012-10-30
In light of the massive storm affecting America’s east coast, including New York, could you explain to the House what preparations are in place for the Top End cyclone season, in particular, plans for protecting those Territorians who live in low-lying coastal areas?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker. I thank the honourable member for his question. Let me express on behalf of members of this Chamber our best wishes to the people of America’s east coast who are affected by this cyclone which is bearing down upon them as we gather here.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service is highly efficient and professional, and at this time of the year they are especially alert to the dangers of cyclones. The Northern Territory has a large number of residences built in areas considered to be low-lying or likely to be subject to storm surge during a cyclone. I have been briefed by the head of Emergency Services and he has assured me that our cyclone preparations include comprehensive evacuation plans for those living in storm surge areas.
While any cyclone should be considered serious, the timing of such strong storms is also extremely important. If a cyclone coincides with a high tide, the consequent storm surge could be devastating to those people in low-lying suburbs. The low pressure of a cyclone can cause a high tide to be up to two or three metres higher than normal and you have to consider the wave height at the time the tide surges.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service has very specific plans in place for such an event. There are about 3500 residences in low-lying areas in the Darwin area. The majority of these are in beachside suburbs in and around Darwin. This totals almost 10 000 people who would have to be moved in the event of a strong cyclone occurring at the same time as a high tide. Residents will be provided with 24 hours notice of any storm surge event and, although the possibility of a storm surge is relatively small, people living in areas at risk should be prepared to evacuate when advised to do so; shelter at a family or friend’s house outside the storm surge area or go to a public shelter when they are open. The odds of such a situation occurring at the same time - that is a very severe cyclone and a very high tide - are remote but we are prepared as best we can be.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service last year produced a Darwin storm surge brochure with a map showing the areas likely to be effected; it is available on the website.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker. I thank the honourable member for his question. Let me express on behalf of members of this Chamber our best wishes to the people of America’s east coast who are affected by this cyclone which is bearing down upon them as we gather here.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service is highly efficient and professional, and at this time of the year they are especially alert to the dangers of cyclones. The Northern Territory has a large number of residences built in areas considered to be low-lying or likely to be subject to storm surge during a cyclone. I have been briefed by the head of Emergency Services and he has assured me that our cyclone preparations include comprehensive evacuation plans for those living in storm surge areas.
While any cyclone should be considered serious, the timing of such strong storms is also extremely important. If a cyclone coincides with a high tide, the consequent storm surge could be devastating to those people in low-lying suburbs. The low pressure of a cyclone can cause a high tide to be up to two or three metres higher than normal and you have to consider the wave height at the time the tide surges.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service has very specific plans in place for such an event. There are about 3500 residences in low-lying areas in the Darwin area. The majority of these are in beachside suburbs in and around Darwin. This totals almost 10 000 people who would have to be moved in the event of a strong cyclone occurring at the same time as a high tide. Residents will be provided with 24 hours notice of any storm surge event and, although the possibility of a storm surge is relatively small, people living in areas at risk should be prepared to evacuate when advised to do so; shelter at a family or friend’s house outside the storm surge area or go to a public shelter when they are open. The odds of such a situation occurring at the same time - that is a very severe cyclone and a very high tide - are remote but we are prepared as best we can be.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service last year produced a Darwin storm surge brochure with a map showing the areas likely to be effected; it is available on the website.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016