Heavy rainfall continues to trigger severe flooding in Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), affecting over 300 residents including businesses, according to Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams. This number represents proprietors and their employees and miners.
During a telephone interview on Sunday, the regional official explained that primarily shops that sell groceries, fuel, dredge parts, and other items are currently under several feet of water.
Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams assessing one of the flooded location
And with more heavy rainfall expected in the area over the next 48 hours, water levels are expected to rise. At Tamakay Landing, 87 businesses are affected, 59 in Apaikwa Landing, 122 in Pappy Show/Martin Landings, and 40 at Seamang’s Backdam.
Williams related that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) along with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is assessing the situation and providing persons with assistance in the form of cleaning agents and medical supplies.
The CDC, on Saturday, reported that Quebanang, Kangaruma, Waramadong, Philippi, Pappy Show Landing, and Mango Landing in Region Seven are all experiencing different levels of flooding. Other areas such as Eteringbang and Arau Village are experiencing rising river levels.
As it evaluates the situation, the CDC said it will remain in constant contact with persons on the ground there throughout an extensive period to determine what measures should be taken.
The Hydrometeorological Service of the Agriculture Ministry has forecasted wetter-than-usual rainfall conditions across all regions of Guyana until January 2023, as the country experiences the secondary rainfall season. The current rainy season is expected to be wetter and longer than normal, according to the Hydrometeorological Service.
The usual secondary rainfall season will be augmented by persistent La Nina conditions during the season. Rainfall is expected to increase considerably at least until January.
During the upcoming rainy season, water levels in conservancies, reservoirs, and inland rivers across Regions One to Eight and 10 are likely to increase, and a high risk of flooding is expected.
Just a few days ago, Prime Minister Mark Phillips urged persons in low-lying and flood-prone areas to take precautions in the coming days, as Guyana continues to experience heavy rainfall.
Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission, Colonel (retired) Nazrul Hussain has added that the CDC has embarked on a public awareness campaign on its social media platforms, and is urging residents to take all necessary precautions.
Meanwhile, residents countrywide are urged to take precautions where necessary and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on telephone numbers 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.
