As heavy rainfall continues: Drivers ignoring repeated warnings, taking risk on flooded Region 9 roads

The sight of water-covered roads can be seen in communities throughout Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) as reports indicate that despite repeated warnings, some drivers are still willing to risk the flooded areas of the Rupununi.
The Government is closely monitoring the impact of persistent heavy rainfall affecting several communities across Region Nine, with regional officials reporting flooding and widespread disruption to key transportation routes.
Several heavy-duty vehicles, including at least one fuel tanker, have become stuck in floodwaters over the past few days along the Lethem trail.

This information was shared by Michael Thomas, who has been releasing updates from various villages and communities across Region Nine.
According to Thomas, some villages have issued warnings against the operation of heavy-duty vehicles along community roads and trails during this period due to the significant damage being caused.
Providing updates on the flooding situation in Aishalton, he noted that for the first time, the Kabanwao Bridge in Aishalton is underwater.
“First flood for 2026,” he stated.
Meanwhile, for drivers and road users in the Deep South Rupununi, Thomas cautioned that flooded creeks and streams are presently extremely dangerous to cross.
“Do not attempt to cross at this time; please do not risk it,” he warned.
Providing updates on the condition of the road from Aishalton through Karaudarnau out to Katoonarib, Thomas explained that following heavy rainfall from around 03:00h on Thursday morning, the Rupununi River, Kabanwao, and several other creeks and streams have overflowed.
Highlighting the magnitude of the situation, Thomas captured footage and shared it on social media showing as many as four vehicles attempting to tow out another vehicle that had become stuck in a deep muddy slush along the Deep South Road.
Additionally, an update indicated that repairs to damaged sections of the road between Karaudarnau and Katoonarib are set to commence on May 26.
VSA Company is currently in the area with machinery to remedy the situation.
“We thank them for their timely response. We also thank Karaudarnau Village Council for arranging this,” Thomas noted.
Providing another update on the Deep South access road through Karaudarnau out to Lethem, Thomas noted that the creeks at “Kamaikarizz” and Koonaar have overflowed into the savannahs as of Monday, May 25.
He urged persons planning trips into the area to exercise caution before travelling.
Following a briefing last Saturday to Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand, the Office of the Regional Executive Officer said the situation continues to be assessed as weather conditions persist.
In a social media post on Wednesday, the Office of the Regional Executive Officer said regional officials, including Regional Executive Officer Karl Singh and Regional Chairwoman Vania Albert, alongside Toshaos, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), and other stakeholders, remain actively engaged on the ground conducting assessments and coordinating response efforts.
Communities in the South Pakaraimas and Deep South are among the most affected. While some residential flooding has been reported, officials say the main concern at this stage is the overtopping of roads and bridges, which has significantly restricted movement between villages.
Affected routes include sections of the Lethem/Linden Trail, the Karasabai Access Road, and roads leading to Aishalton and Karaudarnau. The disruptions have made access for supplies, services, and emergency response increasingly difficult.
The CDC and the Region Nine Disaster Risk Management Committee are coordinating response activities, with priority placed on ensuring public safety, maintaining communication with affected communities, and facilitating the movement of essential services where possible.
According to the Office of the Regional Executive Officer, officials are continuing to monitor river levels, infrastructure conditions, and potential health and agricultural impacts across the region as the rainfall persists.