ADF supporting NT cyclone evacuations
The Australian Defence Force is assisting the Northern Territory government to evacuate remote communities in the path of Tropical Cyclone Trevor.
FILE PHOTO: Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules and C-17 Globemaster at RAAF Base Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black 18. Photo by Corporal David Gibbs.
Defence support was requested on yesterday by the Northern Territory government through Emergency Management Australia and close coordination between the agencies continues.
A Joint Task Force of around 200 personnel has been established out of the Australian Army’s 1st Brigade in Darwin to coordinate Defence’s response in supporting the emergency evacuations.
Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne said three Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules transport aircraft today evacuated residents from the cyclone path in East Arnhem Land including Groote Eylandt and McArthur River Mine airfield near Borroloola.
“A fourth aircraft – a C-17A Globemaster – is on standby to support from RAAF Base Tindal if required,” he said.
“[I believe] the aircraft conducted a number of sorties each throughout the day to evacuate those community members identified by the Northern Territory government for emergency evacuation.
“Residents are urged to seek advice from local authorities regarding evacuation procedures and locations.
“Defence maintains a range of short-notice domestic disaster-relief-response options and stands ready to support further requests for assistance from the Northern Territory government.”
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