Ladernsville, Hururu, Lamp Island and Kwakwani Waterfront in Region 10, Upper Demerara-Berbice, are still experiencing fairly high water levels in some residences and business establishments.
This was observed by Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, during his visit to the flood-affected Region on August 13-14.
Several sections of access roads are reportedly inundated, while there are structural damages of varying degrees throughout the communities.
Craig engaged in “fruitful and insightful” consultations with representative of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Hururu, Renita Ignatius, as well as residents to receive first-hand feedback of the devastating effects of the floods and the shelter experiences currently.
Moreover, the shelters in the Region that are managed and supported by the Commission were visited by Craig.
CDC supervisory and support staff within the area that are responsible for shelter management, impact monitoring and hamper distribution were also engaged and inquires made about the consistency and distribution of supplies; and the monitoring of areas from Kwakwani to Sand Hills (along the Berbice River) proved to be on the right track.
Meanwhile, shelters at Aroaima, Hururu, Forestry and Kwakwani which are managed and supported by the Commission were inspected, with recommendations being made in regards to management operations.
The region, especially Kwakwani, was devastated by the May-June rainfalls which saw several homes being submerged as well as mining operations severely affected. According to reports, over 30,000 persons were affected by flooding throughout the country.
Flood relief hampers
A collaborative effort between the CDC and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on Thursday saw to the delivery of a quantity of food hampers to residents of villages along the Cuyuni River, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven).
The areas, which consist of dwelling, farming and mining communities, have been hard hit by the current floods and persons have been forced to, at times, relocate to higher ground.
The hampers were distributed to communities such as Two Point, Aurora, Devil’s Hole, Cumang, Kurushie, Kurutuku and Quartz Stone, and residents there were elated to receive the aid.
It has been noted that the rainfall experienced in May alone was recorded as the second highest level of rainfall across the country in the last 40 years. All 10 administrative regions in Guyana experienced varied levels of flooding, prompting Government to roll out immediate responses such as evacuation of those most at risk and flood assistance.
Earlier this month, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced a comprehensive relief package for flood-affected Guyanese will be distributed, with the commencement of distributions running up until every affected person receives assistance.
The CDC continues to monitor all flood-prone and impacted areas across Guyana, while working symbiotically with national and regional authorities to gather accurate updates. The Commission’s National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) is a 24-hour hotline that steadily receives data from the entire country and residents are encouraged to contact them on 600-7500 to report any impacts.
