NT: 48 people evacuated to safety from flooded NT road
05 Jan 2009 1:07 PM
DARWIN, Jan 6 AAP - Emergency supplies have been airlifted to a group of 48 people, including six babies, trapped by floodwaters on a highway in the remote Northern Territory.
The 30 adults and 18 children became stranded on the Barkly Highway, between Avon Downs and Soudan Station.
The travellers were stuck on a 38km stretch of the highway for more than 24 hours.
A mercy mission on Sunday dropped off supplies to the group, including food, water and blankets.
Police said they were evacuated by road to Avon Downs, near the Queensland border, later in the day.
The rescue prompted police to issue a warning to motorists to pay attention to road signs, following severe flooding and heavy rain in the region.
"We are aware that a number of motorists are ignoring the signs and we are particularly concerned they will only add to the problem if they become stranded with limited supplies," said Superintendent Bruce Porter.
"We are urging motorists to heed the warnings and wait until the flooding subsides and the road has been repaired before trying to continue their journey, especially as more rain is forecast for the next couple of days."
The Barkly Highway is closed at the Stuart Highway in the west and at Avon Downs in the east.
Supt Porter said the road had been severely damaged in several places and would remain closed for several days.
"Crews are on standby and the damage will be assessed this morning, however it is expected it will be several days before they can attempt any repairs," he said.
