‘Avoid blocking drains’ – Mustapha tells GT residents amid heavy downpours

…rain to persist until ending of June – Hydromet Office

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday inspected pump stations across Georgetown after hours of persistent rainfall had caused several areas to be inundated.
Giving an update on the situation on Thursday, he stated, “The Hydromet Office would have recorded about four inches of rainfall that fell in about two hours. Because of the high volume of water, we are seeing that many areas around Georgetown are now under water…
“We continue to monitor the situation around Georgetown. I want to appeal to residents to avoid blocking the internal drains and those alleyways, so that we can have the free flow of water.”
The Ministry aims to have all pump stations functional so as to curtail significant accumulations of water.
However, a seasonal climate forecasted by the Hydrometeorological Service this week has predicted that the current rainy season would continue in June, before the country transitions into dry conditions, starting in July.

The predictions account for June to August, and it is noted that there would be continuous surface wetness in June, drawing focus on the need to maintain drainage infrastructure. Persons have been warned that there might be disruptions to outdoor activities.
The highest amount of rainfall can be expected in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and the northern part of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
For the seasons, all regions can expect a slightly higher-than-usual number of wet days. An increase in the number of seven-day extreme wet spells can be expected in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
However, from July, the current climate conditions would change.
“Rain-fed agriculture and large-scale water users should harvest rainwater during the latter part of June. Moist conditions and water accumulation will lead to mosquito breeding,” the Hydromet Office has noted.
Heat will be a concern during the period late July into August. Therefore, shelter must be provided for animals; and persons have been asked to stay hydrated, and if possible, limit outdoor activities during mid-day. As it gets warmer, it has been outlined, “All regions can expect warmer-than-usual day and night time temperatures. The season is likely to be warmer than the previous years and recent months. Dry days will be significantly warmer than wet days.”
The country is now experiencing a heavy rainfall season. Precautionary measures have been issued in order for persons to pay special attention to their health, personal hygiene, vector control, and food safety.
It has been advised that if there is any flooding, persons should stay out of the water as much as possible, as so doing can greatly reduce their chances of contracting diseases such as skin infections, leptospirosis, diarrhoea, and other water-borne diseases.
If there is need to venture into any area with flood waters, persons are advised to use protective gear, such as long boots, gloves and eye protection. Moreover, they can prepare a foot bath of half a cup of bleach in one bucket of water, and wash their feet before entering the house. Applying Vaseline or oil to your skin also forms a barrier and provides some protection from dirty water.
Citizens are being advised to use safe water for drinking, cooking, brushing their teeth, and making ice and beverages during the rainy season. Safe water is water that is treated with chlorine bleach in concentrations of half a teaspoon to five gallons of water. The water should be covered and left to stand for 30 minutes before using. Water can also be boiled.