High tides alert issued; citizens urged to take precaution
The general public has been warned to take all necessary precautions during the spring tides period of November 12-18, 2020.
On Wednesday, the Public Works Ministry said the predicted tides indicate above-normal levels for this impending period. As such, the Sea and River Defence Department has listed a number of areas to be particularly susceptible to possible flooding as a result of storm surges which may induce overtopping of sea/river defence structures.
File photo: Massive waves assailing Uitvlugt, WCD
These areas are: Pomeroon River banks; San Souci to Sarah, and Maria’s Pleasure to Meerzorg, Good Success, Zeelandia and Moorfarm, Wakenaam Island; Amsterdam/Retrieve, Endeavour/Blenheim, Cane Garden – Leguan Island; Windsor Forest to DeWillem, West Coast Demerara, Zeelugt, Parika Market Area, Salem to Sparta, E.B.E; Water Street, Georgetown; Helena Numbers One and Two, Mahaica; Belvedere to Cottage, Mahaicony; Wellington Park/Tarlogie on the Corentyne; Lonsdale/Glasgow, EBB; and Sheet Anchor, Canje River.
According to the Ministry, the highest tides are expected to be on Saturday (November 14) at 15:23h at a height of 3.27 metres, and on Sunday (November 15) at 16:04h at a height of 3.29 metres.
In addition to the locations named by the Sea and River Defence Department, all persons residing along the banks of rivers and low-lying coastal areas are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flooding. It has also been highlighted that precaution should be taken by all mariners, including those operating fishing vessels and larger vessels. The use of beaches and foreshore areas for recreational purposes during this period is not advised.
Over the past few weeks, heavy rainfall caused flooding in several communities across the country, and moreso severely impacted Georgetown.
These communities have been so badly affected that the Government has triggered the inter-Agency Task Force, led by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), to partially activate the National Emergency Operations Centre.
