1543 homes directly impacted by 2-week flooding – CDC

The Civil Defence Commission has conducted a complete assessment of the impacts sustained during the last two weeks of heavy rainfall, which showed 1543 households being directly affected.
This was released by Director General of the CDC Kester Craig, on Monday. He said that the country’s thundershowers were compounded by above normal high tides that impacted sea and river defences.
On the direction of Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips – who has ministerial responsibility for disaster management – the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) was activated to lend support.
The NEOC comprises representatives from the CDC, Office of the Prime Minister, Georgetown City Council, Local Government and Region Development Ministry, Guyana Hydrometeorological Services, Education Ministry, Public Works Ministry, Health Ministry, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Guyana Red Cross Society, Rotary Club of Georgetown and Saint John’s Ambulance Brigade.
A number of initiatives were completed or are still ongoing, including an assessment conducted in critically affected areas in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
While 1543 homes were impacted, over 1600 cleaning hampers were distributed to households and democratic councils. There has also been on the ground coordination by the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).
Assessment teams have since been deployed with the support of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Coast Guard (CG) personnel and maritime assets. For now, flood and prevention alerts to the municipalities and local organs continue, as well as social media updates.
“The CDC will continue to participate in the NEOC and distribute sandbags on demand. The Commission continues to monitor weather across all ten administrative regions and provide updates and advisories while continuing coordination with RDCs and NDCs,” the Commission indicated.
On Sunday, the CDC distributed hampers on Great Troolie Island in Region Three, benefitting 28 households and two schools. Some 20 farms also faced inundation. In the event of flooding, persons are asked to stay out of the water and keep food items safe. Water-borne diseases can be contracted through contact with these waters. Direct contact with floodwaters can expose persons to several germs that can lead to any of these diseases. Guardians are also asked to keep children especially out of the water as they are most at risk of contracting diseases. Patrons were also advised to avoid swimming in canals and trenches.
Protective gear should be used along with regular washing of feet after exiting the waters. If necessary, Vaseline or oil can be applied to form a barrier to protect from the dirty water.
Adding to that, water poses as breeding grounds for mosquitoes which spread Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly with clean water to prevent contamination.
To protect against electric shock, turn off the main electrical switch and unplug all appliances and move them to safe areas of the home. If there is suspected electrical wiring damages, turn off the main and have it checked by a qualified electrician before turning on back the power.