Flood-impacted Region 5 communities receive hampers

Residents of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) who were impacted by flooding recently have been assisted by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) as 600 cleaning hampers were distributed.
The Rosignol/Zeelust and Blairmont/Gelderland Neighbourhood Democratic Council received the hampers.
Of the communities, 116 hampers were distributed to Zorg-en-Hoop, 34 to Blairmont and 150 to Rosignol. This would assist residents with their restoration after heavy rainfall and over-topping of waterways caused some households to be inundated. Farmlands and ranches were also affected.
A total of 300 hampers were given directly to the NDC which distributed 180 to the communities of Blairmont and Balthyock. On Friday, 120 were sent to Shieldstown with an additional 255 to be delivered later.
“CDC will work to deliver the remaining cleaning hampers over the weekend to ensure that all impacted residents receive their supplies. Concerned residents are encouraged to contact their NDCs or the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for support.”
The CDC continues to work with local authorities to ensure that aid is available for impacted communities, especially during the current rainy season. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any impacts to their local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.
A dive into the rainy season has also led to several precautionary measures issued by the Health Ministry, in order for persons to pay special attention to their health, personal hygiene, vector control, and food safety.
It was advised that if there is any flooding, persons should stay out of the water as much as possible, as it can greatly reduce your chances of contracting diseases such as skin infections, Leptospirosis, diarrhoea, and other water-borne diseases.
If there is a need to venture into any area with flood waters, persons were 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 them before entering the house. Applying Vaseline or oil to your skin also forms a barrier and provides some protection from dirty water.
Guyanese have been advised to use safe water for drinking, cooking, brushing their teeth, and making ice and beverages. Safe water is water that is treated with chlorine bleach in a concentration of half a teaspoon to five gallons of water. It should be covered and left for 30 minutes before using. Water can also be boiled.