Alice Springs, February 12, 2026 – The Europe Today: Emergency services carried out multiple rescues on Thursday after a rapid overnight rise in river levels inundated parts of Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory, cutting off roads and submerging key crossings.
Severe thunderstorms on Wednesday triggered a sudden surge of water across the central Australian town, flooding numerous roads and all low-level causeways, according to media reports. Authorities later downgraded the emergency warning but urged residents to avoid floodwaters as strong currents may continue despite gradually falling river levels.
Northern Territory Police confirmed that emergency crews responded to several incidents, including rescuing a woman who was swept off a roadway by fast-moving floodwaters.
The Department of Education announced that government schools would remain open to support emergency personnel and essential workers. However, other families have been advised to keep children at home while hazardous conditions persist.
Police Commissioner Martin Dole stated that the situation was intensified by the Todd River—typically dry—already flowing before heavy rainfall struck overnight.
“There’s no blame to be placed here on anybody, there was not a lot of warning,” Dole said.
The flooding follows recent elevated water levels in the region, including the Daly River reaching a major flood stage of 14 meters days earlier, prompting evacuations in surrounding communities.
Authorities continue to monitor river levels and have urged residents to remain vigilant as water moves through affected areas.
