IMPORTANT INFORMATION - GROOTE EYLANDT EVACUATION - CYCLONE TREVOR
Explore Councils by state
Emergency Evacuation Plans are now currently underway to evacuate all residents from Groote Eylandt, including Angurugu, Umbakumba, Bickerton Island and Alyangula due to the treat of Cyclone Trevor. This includes outstations and homelands.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting that the cyclone will make landfall between Borroloola and Groote Eylandt during Saturday as a category 4 severe tropical cyclone, with marine conditions in the Gulf deteriorating from tomorrow morning. Cyclone Trevor is a severe cyclone and will be extremely dangerous - too dangerous for people to shelter in place. Please listen to all warnings and directions provided by emergency services personnel.
Evacuations will commence today and tonight (Wednesday 20 March) for residents of: Bickerton Island Umbakumba Any vulnerable residents
Tomorrow evacuations will commence for residents of: Angurugu Alyangula (and any residents of Umbakumba and Bickerton unable to travel today).
No one will miss out on a flight from Groote Eylandt.
Before departing, residents are asked to:
Empty the fridge and turn off all tapsTurn off electricityLift appliances and furniture up above flood levelPets
Residents with pets are advised to plan for their pets. Animals cannot be taken into public emergency shelters. Pets should be left in the strongest room in the house without windows, with enough food and water for five days. Residents are encouraged to leave a note on their front door to identify that there are animals inside.
What to bring to the Evacuation Centre:
1 bag (which you can carry) per person. Clothes and underwearPersonal items like towels and toiletriesMedicines and prescriptionsNappies, formula, toys and other things for children and babiesSome form of identificationMedicare cardBank account detailsStay off the water
Regional Controller Wurst is warning people who are considering heading out on the water to stay well clear of the ocean. “Tropical Cyclone Trevor will cause very heavy seas, storm surge and significantly higher than normal tides.”