Northern Territory Police have successfully rescued 7 people who became stranded due to flood waters in the Central Desert Region.
On the afternoon of Sunday 18 February, a vehicle carrying two occupants allegedly left the community of Lajamanu destined for Yuendumu.
On the afternoon of Monday 19 February, a vehicle carrying 5 occupants left Lajamanu to locate the missing vehicle.
Around 8am on Tuesday, both vehicles were reported as missing and a rescue operation was launched. The stranded occupants were located on the Tanami Track, 80km apart, and food was provided while a plan was devised to have them flown out of the area.
All seven occupants were safely airlifted back to Lajamanu early yesterday morning and are currently in good spirits and are being assessed at the local clinic.
Superintendent Paul Faustmann said ” This rescue was the result of considerable efforts from local police and its fantastic that everyone was located safely. It is however a reminder of the dangers of driving through flooded areas. NT Police would urge everyone on Territory roads to remember the simple message; If its flooded, forget it.”
