12 persons temporarily displaced in Region 9

…as heavy downpours continue

While water levels have been receding across the country areas in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) including Lethem, have experienced some amount of flooding.
According to information from the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) water levels remain high in Region Nine due to above normal rain fall in the area and water draining from nearby hills and mountains.
It was noted that several households and farms have been impacted and at least 12 persons have been temporarily displaced and are currently being housed in shelters.
The CDC, along with regional authorities, are currently working to manage further impacts. Several roads and bridges are inaccessible due to rising water levels and teams are assessing many communities’ region wide.
Last month, several villages in Region Nine were underwater following the prolonged downpours. Some of the most affected villages were Potarinau, South Central Rupununi, Aishalton, Parishara and Nappi Village. In addition to these villages, several bridges and roads were not accessible to vehicular traffic. One such bridge was the Iwokrama Reserve, approximately 15 minutes away from the Kurupukari Crossing. In addition, the Pirara to Lethem Road was completely underway thus leaving scores of passengers stranded on both sides. In light of these occurrences, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) dispatched a team to the affected areas to conduct thorough assessments. In addition, it handed over cleaning supplies to the Regional Authorities to be distributed to the residents.
Meanwhile, Regional Democratic Council (RDC) had called for an emergency meeting to discuss and address the challenges faced in the region by rising levels of water. During the meeting, systems were activated to ensure the safety of all residents at this time.
However, the residents are advised to take all necessary precautions against waterborne diseases and floods and to be vigilant.
“Residents are encouraged to Listen to the local radio station and follow updates on the Office of the Regional Executive Officer, Facebook page, and the Regional Democratic Council Region nine page for accurate information,” the RDC stated.
The RDC staff have been providing free boat transportation to ensure the continued safe passage of Lethem residents following the submergence of the Pirara Bridge.