Police warn about crocodiles

Police in Australia’s Northern Territory warned on Sunday about crocodiles “absolutely everywhere” and said they had moved more than 1,000 people across the state to shelters after massive flooding.

The state has endured heavy rain over the weekend with the town of Katherine experiencing its worst flooding since 1998.

Police evacuated more than 1,000 people across the territory on Saturday and helicopters and planes were deployed to communities in remote areas.

“There’s nothing bigger,” acting police incident control commander Shaun Gill told reporters.

He said “at least” 90 homes were left without power and warned residents not to swim in the waters.

“There are crocodiles everywhere. Please stay out of the water. The message is pretty clear,” he said. “Don’t swim in the water for two reasons: it’s a fast-flowing river and, also, this is where the crocodiles are most active.”

Deputy Police Commissioner Travis Wurst also warned Katherine residents not to “do something stupid” and jump into the water.

He warned about “crocodiles and other things that will make your life difficult.”

Several schools will remain closed until Monday due to flooding, Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said.

It is estimated that more than 100,000 freshwater and saltwater crocodiles live in northern Australia. saltwater crocodileswhich can grow to more than 20 feet, weigh more than a ton, and have a bite force strong enough to crush a human skull.

On Sunday, police said they rescued a 40-year-old man from heavy flooding in Beswick.

“The man quickly became tired trying to swim in the fast-flowing water. He grabbed onto a partially submerged gum tree, keeping only his head above the waterline, and began screaming for help,” police said, adding that officers were eventually able to use a boat to rescue the man.

The vast Northern Territory is one of the least populated areas of the country and is frequently affected by extreme weather conditions.

Researchers have repeatedly warned that climate change amplifies the risk of natural disasters such as wildfires, floods and cyclones.

“Northern Territory Police strongly urge people to stay away from flooding,” Superintendent Virginia Read said in a statement. “The risk of injury, illness and death is too high; if it floods, forget it.”

In 2022, Australian authorities warned of the “dangers lurking in flood waters” after what they identified as a bull shark fin was sighted in flood waters in Queensland.