AUSMAT supports Katherine Hospital during Tropical Cyclone Narelle

01 Apr 2026

Northern Australia has endured one of its wettest summers in nearly a decade, with the Northern Territory’s Top End experiencing an exceptionally intense wet season that is continuing into April. The town of Katherine, three hours south of Darwin, has been among the hardest hit, facing its worst flooding in 28 years.

On 7 March 2026, the Katherine River surged to 19.2 metres – the highest level recorded since 1998 – inundating parts of the town and forcing the evacuation and temporary closure of Katherine District Hospital. Just two weeks later, the region braced for renewed flooding as ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle moved inland, prompting a second precautionary evacuation of the hospital amid forecasts of rising river levels.

To support NT Health and ensure continuity of healthcare services, the Australian Government deployed its Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) to Katherine. In an unprecedented move, AUSMAT established an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) field hospital – first time this level of AUSMAT capability had been deployed domestically in Australia.

The AUSMAT EMT field hospital delivered a comprehensive suite of clinical services including a 20-bed emergency department with primary, acute care service and resuscitation bay, a maternity delivery suite for urgent birthing needs, on-site laboratory and radiology services, and additional inpatient wards for adult and paediatric patients.

Katherine Hospital clinicians and essential support staff were embedded within the AUSMAT-led operation, ensuring continuity of care. The collaboration enabled residents to maintain access to critical healthcare throughout the extended hospital closure.

Mission Team Lead and Acting Director Disaster Preparedness and Response Kath McDermott said the deployment reflected a shared commitment to supporting the community during an exceptionally challenging period.

This deployment was about supporting the Katherine community and local health services during a highly challenging time.

"Working closely with NT Health and local partners, the AUSMAT team rapidly established the field hospital, ensuring emergency healthcare services remained available while the hospital was temporarily closed,” Kath added.