Residents of Nauiyu, a small Aboriginal community along the Daly River in the Northern Territory of Australia, have recently returned home after being evacuated due to severe flooding that occurred earlier this month. The Daly River reached a critical flood level of 14 meters, prompting the evacuation of about 350 residents to Darwin. As they return, many express relief at being back but acknowledge the extensive damage and clean-up efforts that lie ahead.

The local government services, including aged care and waste management, are set to resume as the community begins the rehabilitation process. The floodwaters have receded, dropping to less than 12 meters, but the impact on homes and infrastructure has been significant, and residents will need to work collaboratively to address the debilitation that the flooding caused. Immediate support from local agencies will be crucial to assist the residents in this recovery phase.

Despite the challenges faced, the return home marks a significant step for the Nauiyu community. The flood has emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness and response within remote Indigenous communities, raising questions about the sustainability of infrastructure and the need for ongoing support from governmental and non-governmental organizations as they rebuild their lives and homes.