High tide, flood warnings issued by Hydromet Office

As the rainfall season persists, the Hydrometeorological Office of Guyana has issued warnings of expected floods and above-normal high tides.

These high tides, the agency said, are expected to last from June 1 to June 8. The highest peaks are projected to reach 3.13 metres on June 4, 3.16 metres on June 5, and 3.14 metres on June 6.
Meanwhile, the situation has been compounded by a flood warning, issued especially for flood-prone areas in coming days. The Hydromet Office predicts that rainfall accumulation will range from 15 to 60 millimetres (mm).
Persons residing in flood-prone areas were directed to take precautions against possible flash floods while those residing in hilly areas are to be on the alert for possible landslides. Above-normal rainfall has been forecasted until the month of July across all administrative regions, with the possibility of extreme events.
Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is urging residents in communities that are prone to flooding to take all the necessary precautions. They can contact the Commission on the round-the-clock National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 623-1700, 600-7500, or 226-1114, or leave a message on its social media page.
Just one week ago, several families were forced to rebuild sections of their homes after the structures were damaged by a freak storm. The eerie sounds of the rushing wind mixed with heavy rain swirled through Number 36 Village in Berbice.
Villagers described the storm as “frightening; this thing just coming and zinc sheets flying…”
This is not the first time that a storm has hit the village.
Earlier this month, the Public Health Ministry sent out warnings to the public, as the possibility of flooding rises. Health authorities have asked persons to pay special attention to health, special precautions, personal hygiene, vector control, and food and water safety.
Persons living in flood-prone areas should stay out of contact with the water as much as possible, to reduce the risk of contracting an infection. Direct exposure can expose individuals to several germs.
“If you are living in flood-prone areas and there is any flooding, 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 … Keep children out of the water as they are most at risk of contracting diseases. Avoid swimming in flooded canals and trenches. During the rainy season and floods, these become contaminated and can make you sick,”
It is said that during the rainy season, respiratory infections, including COVID-19, can occur and may become worse. Daily intake of fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C can help to maintain a healthy immune system and enhance the ability to fight infection. If circumstances arise that a person must go out into the dirty waters, there are steps which should be followed to protect themselves.