Man's simple act highlights 'imminent danger' in Aussie rivers
Police were called to rescue the man who got stranded in crocodile-infested floodwaters.
A man's attempt to drive through croc-infested floodwaters should be a warning for others authorities say, as he risked being swept away, with residents and visitors to parts of northern Australia also being warned of a rise of crocodiles in the area.
Police were called to rescue the driver early on Saturday morning after his car and U-Haul trailer became stuck while attempting to cross the Blyth River Crossing in the Top End — a known hotspot for the predatory reptiles to roam — which is currently flooded due to heavy rains.
The driver had no choice but to climb onto the roof of his vehicle from where he urgently called for assistance. "The water level had risen to half the height of the vehicle's bonnet, highlighting the imminent danger posed by attempting to cross flooded rivers," police said.
Police members were deployed to assist the stranded man who was safely returned to the community, they said. Superintendent Jody Nobbs said the incident highlights how dangerous the simple act of driving through floodwaters is.
Crocs increasing in both numbers and size
Yahoo News Australia recently reported an increase in crocodile numbers across northern Western Australia and the Northern Territory, with the size of each animal also getting bigger and bigger. Constant reminders are issued to Aussies about the dangers of getting too close to crocs which can prove deadly.
Major flooding and heatwave warnings
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is watching flood activity in the Western Top End Rivers of the Northern Territory as torrential monsoonal rains have caused flooding in Darwin that has resulted in several roads made "impassable" to cars.
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Hidden danger that 'can and will kill you' in Aussie waterways
The Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) said the public could expect a strong possibility of flash flooding until Wednesday, with up to 100mm of rain each day in parts of the city. The BoM said when driving on roads in dangerous weather conditions, "If it’s flooded, forget it".
Meanwhile, flood activity is particularly high in Queensland, which has had 12 flood warnings issued across the state, ranging from minor to major. Flood warnings have been issued for parts of South Australia, NSW and the ACT. While in WA and Victoria, the bureau is forecasting a scorching next few days.
with NCA Newswire
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