The Emergency Operations Coordination Centre has been stood down following the successful return of 29 people to community in the Tanami Desert region this afternoon.
The group were among the 40 reports police received of motorists stranded along the 200 kilometre stretch of Lajamanu Road which was inundated with rainfall in the wake of ex tropical cyclone Esther.
An aerial sweep of the Lajamanu and Tanami Roads by police located 11 vehicles and 18 people at the Suplejack Creek intersection, and a further 11 people returned from the Tanami Mine Camp as part of the coordinated response through the Emergency Operation Coordination Centre to the Yuendumu community.
Commander Southern Command, Bradley Currie said a thorough search of the area by ex tropical cyclone Esther had been completed.
“The coordinated response within the Emergency Operation Centre has resulted in the swift repatriation of those stranded, back to their respective communities.
“The severe weather event is over, but it does not mean roads in the area are open. We advise anyone planning to travel to ensure they check road conditions and closures prior to travel via www.roadreport.nt.gov.au and not to drive through flooded causeways or rivers.”
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics advises the Tanami Road is only accessible to high clearance four wheel driver under 4.5 tonnes.
As of Thursday March 5, 3:30pm the Tanami Road from end of seal through to the Granites is open with vehicle and weight restrictions of high clearance four wheel drives less than 4.5tonnes. The Tanami Road from the Granites to the Western Australian border remains closed due to flooding.
