Guyana: Region 9 residents evacuated as floodwaters continue to rise
May/June rains brought flooding to the Upper Takutu - Upper Essequibo (Region 9).
This is the second time in the year that floods have affected this Region. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) said that it could confirm reports of "significant flooding", which it said is due to "consistent rainfall" in the area.
The CDC said that water levels continue to rise from the deep South to the South Pakaraimas and as such several communities and farms are inundated.
Up to noon on Monday, the CDC confirmed that several households and farms had been affected. This resulted in the relocation of families. The CDC said that it is working with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Lethem Town Council (LTC) and Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLGRD) to provide shelter to the families.
The CDC has also activated its Regional Disaster Risk Management Center (RDRMC) to serve as a secondary shelter to accommodate more displaced persons who are set to be housed there today.
Meanwhile, the delivery of water purification tablets, water containers, cleaning hampers and other essential supplies has commenced.
The Hydrometeorological Service forecasts significant and consistent rainfall in Guyana for the next 24 hours. This rainfall will measure at least two inches (60mm) in Southern Guyana and one inch (30mm) in the North.
“The Regional Democratic Council, in collaboration with the Lethem Town Council through the Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee, is proactively working assiduously to relocate families affected by the floods to shelters and will continue to do so as the need arises,” the Regional Democratic Council said in a statement.
Officials said that among those being evacuated were children as people abandoned their homes and are going to stay with relatives and friends who are living on higher ground.
The authorities said that while there has been little rainfall in Lethem and surrounding villages, the floodwaters are rising at two inches per hour.
The Regional Council said it has provided boats for school children and teachers attending St. Ignatius Secondary School free of cost, as village boats and private boats are charging a “small fee.”
The Hydrometeorological Service forecasts significant and consistent rainfall countrywide for the next 24 hours, and as such, the Commission, along with relevant agencies, are monitoring all Administrative Regions.
“Rainfall will measure at least two inches (60mm) in Southern Guyana and one inch (30mm) in the North. Residents of low lying, flooded, and flood-prone areas are urged to be vigilant and take precautions.”
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