– water levels continue to rise as heavy rain continues
Several riverine communities in Region Seven Cuyuni-Mazaruni) are currently inundated, and according to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), water levels are expected to rise as heavy rainfall is expected.
Those communities, according to the CDC, are Quebanang, Kangaruma, Waramadong, Philippi, Pappy Show Landing, and Mango Landing. They are all experiencing different levels of flooding.
Other areas such as Eteringbang and Arau Village are experiencing rising river levels and are cautiously monitoring the situation.
As such, a team from the region led by the Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams is assessing the impact of the flood.
The flooding situation in Region Seven, Mango Landing
“The CDC will remain in constant contact with persons on the ground there throughout an extensive period to determine what measures should be taken,” the commission said in a release to the media.
Meanwhile, residents countrywide are urged to take precautions where necessary and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on telephone numbers 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.
The current rainy season is expected to be wetter and longer than normal according to the Hydrometeorological Service.
Just a few days ago, Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips urged persons in low-lying and flood-prone areas to take precautions in the coming days, as Guyana continues to experience heavy rainfall.
Phillips, under whose purview the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) falls, made this comment during a briefing held at the CDC Headquarters at Thomas Lands last Thursday.
Middle Mazaruni
“We are in the rainy season, and some amount of flooding is expected. While we do not hope for it, we are working to closely monitor the situation. Persons who reside in low-lying areas and those who are affected by flooding, I encourage you to take all precautions to minimise the damage that is associated with flooding in all communities,” he advised.
The Prime Minister, who also holds responsibility for disaster risk management, revealed that the Cabinet Taskforce on Flooding is also monitoring the rainfall.
Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission, Colonel (retired) Nazrul Hussain, has added that the CDC has embarked on a public awareness campaign on its social media platforms, and is urging residents to take all necessary precautions.
The Hydrometeorological Service of the Agriculture Ministry has forecasted wetter-than-usual rainfall conditions across all regions of Guyana until January 2023, as the country experiences the secondary rainfall season.
The usual secondary rainfall season will be augmented by persistent La Nina conditions during the season. Rainfall is expected to increase considerably at least until January. During the upcoming rainy season, water levels in conservancies, reservoirs, and inland rivers across Regions One to Eight and 10 are likely to increase, and a high risk of flooding was expected.
