NT state of emergency extended after Lam

The state of emergency declared in the remote Northern Territory communities hit by Cyclone Lam has been extended by three days.

The government announced it was declaring a state of emergency on Friday night after the storm hit.

It covers the communities of Galiwinku on Elcho Island, Milingimbi, Ramingining, and Gapuwiyak in the top end.

Under the Emergency Management Act, NT Police can force residents to evacuate, to direct them to help in the saving of life or property, to order businesses, public spaces and roads open or closed closed, and to use reasonable force in carrying out these duties if required.

Emergency response crews deployed to each of the affected communities and have been working since Saturday to restore power, water and sewerage.

"The State of Emergency declaration provides emergency services with additional powers to enter and restrict access to dangerous or unstable buildings," said Peter Chandler, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency services in a statement.