More rain predicted until Monday in Regions 2, 4, 7, 8 and 10

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) says that more rain is forecasted for today through Monday in various regions across Guyana.
According to a statement from the CDC, Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) are expected to have heavy rains with an accumulation of between 30 and 65mm.

Representatives of the CDC distributing supplies to residents on the EBD

The CDC has urged residents of riverine, low-lying and flood-prone areas to take all necessary precautions to prevent flooding of properties. The Commission has even prepared sandbags to deliver to areas that are vulnerable to flooding.
On Wednesday, torrential rainfall in the early morning hours resulted in sections of Georgetown and several other communities across the country being inundated. This was further exacerbated by the continuing above-normal high tides, which have been predicted to overtop river and sea defences.

Sandbags prepared by the CDC for distribution

The National Weather Watch Centre disclosed that during Wednesday’s rainfall, Region Two experienced 25mm of rainfall, Region Three was hit with a 73.1mm, while Region Four had its highest of 32mm at Friendship on the East Bank of Demerara.
The figure recorded for Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) was 44.6mm, Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) was 105.8mm, and Watooka in Region 10 was recorded at36.2mm.
The CDC has since conducted assessments around the capital city. The Commission visited and met with residents in North and South Ruimveldt, East and West Ruimveldt, Alexander Village, Stabroek, Charlestown, Albouystown, Wortmanville, D’Urban Park and Bel Air.
Assessments were also conducted along the East Coast of Demerara at Industry, Plaisance, Better Hope, La Bonne Intention, Beterverwagting, Triumph, Mon Repos, Le Reconnaissance, Annandale, Lusignan, Buxton, Foulis, and Coldigen.
On the East Bank of Demerara, the villages/wards of Bagotstown, Herstelling, Grove Public Road, Supply and Mocha Arcadia were also assessed.
Meanwhile, the CDC on Thursday continued its flood response with more distribution of cleaning and sanitation hampers to households that were impacted by recent floods. A team from the Commission distributed these hampers in communities along the East Bank of Demerara.
Cleaning and sanitisation supplies were also distributed to several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) for them to distribute to impacted villagers in Region Three along the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara.
Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips – who has ministerial responsibilities for disaster risk management – has directed the CDC to partially activate the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in response to the flooding.
Assessments and response were conducted earlier in the week to communities along the East Coast of Demerara in Region Four, on the West Coast of Berbice in Region Five and in the town of Linden in Region 10.
The Commission prepared sanitation and cleaning supplies have been completed for households that have been inundated.
The NEOC commenced strategising for the current situation via a virtual meeting, and has said the projected impending showers and thundershowers are expected to last until November 10, 2020.
The activated NEOC includes representatives from the CDC, Office of the Prime Minister, Mayor & City Councillors of Georgetown, Ministry of Local Government, Guyana Hydrometeorological Services, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Health, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, National Drainage & Irrigation Authority, Guyana Red Cross Society, Rotary Club of Georgetown and St. John’s Ambulance Brigade.
In light of the increased rainfall and the possibility of flooding in coastal and outlying areas, the Ministry of Health has advised the general public to pay special attention to their health, personal hygiene, vector control, food and water safety, and public health especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.