Story perspectives

Evacuated Aged Care Residents Face Crisis After Cyclone Narelle

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Major flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle forced evacuation of frail aged care residents in Katherine, Northern Territory, to makeshift shelters.
Many spent the night in an open-sided basketball court under uncomfortable conditions.
Nursing staff described the situation as confronting and inappropriate for vulnerable residents.
Criticism has grown of the government's emergency response, especially for First Nations communities, with calls for better coordination and culturally appropriate facilities.

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Story summary

Major flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle forced evacuation of frail aged care residents in Katherine, Northern Territory, to makeshift shelters.
Many spent the night in an open-sided basketball court under uncomfortable conditions.
Nursing staff described the situation as confronting and inappropriate for vulnerable residents.
Criticism has grown of the government's emergency response, especially for First Nations communities, with calls for better coordination and culturally appropriate facilities.