Rainy conditions are forecasted for the next three to five days with a projected average of as much as 45mm for the remainder of Friday and Saturday which is above the established drainage capacity within the city. This is according to Chief Hydromet Officer, Dr. Garvin Cummings.
Occasional showers and intermittent rain were experienced during the morning with mostly cloudy to overcast skies throughout Guyana.
The last high tide was expected at 12:38 hrs while Low Tide will be at 18:23 hrs with a height of 1.01 meter.
“We recorded 73.2 mm of water between 8 and 11 this morning alone, so you can see the variations. Although this is expected to decrease in magnitude, rainfall is expected to continue over the next 3-5 days in regions 4 and 5,” Dr. Cummings said.
These conditions are expected to continue for the next six (6) hours with intermittent rain and isolated thundershowers. Rainfall intensities are expected to be mostly moderate with a few heavy downpours.
IT was noted that “based on the latest model output and satellite data;…we are anticipating 12 hours rainfall accumulation between 25.0 mm and 100.0 mm, however, some areas in Regions 2 to 4 may likely exceed this total. Recent rainfall has made the ground wet and additional rain will bring the potential for flooding/ water accumulations over some areas.”
With the expected adverse weather conditions, residents of riverain, coastal and low-lying areas are advised to exercise precautionary measures against possible flooding due to prevailing weather conditions.
News Room this morning visited several areas where an accumulation of water was observed across the city and some areas on the East Coast of Demerara.
According to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), all preparations have been made to deal with any eventuality which may arise as a result of the rainy season, as Pump and Excavators have been deployed countrywide.
Chief Executive Officer, NDIA, Mr. Fredrick Flatts pointed out that 93 and 94 percent of pumps and excavators respectively are operable and have been deployed at critical locations in all coastal regions to assist in drainage needs, a statement from the Authority said.
“Of the 58 pumps, 54 are working and have been deployed at critical locations to ensure water which has been accumulated recedes off land within 24hrs,” Mr. Flatts said.
The NDIA currently has a fleet of 99 excavators which are deployed at critical locations to clear drainage and de-silt canals. Of the 88 sluice owned and operated by the NDIA, 83 are fully working and contracts have been tendered for bids to have the remaining 5 operable, the NDIA said.
“We are in a good place at the moment but we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure that we have the additional sluice working to further complement our fleet,” the CEO said.
The Hydrometeorological Service said based on reports from a number of its rainfall stations across the country, the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours was reported at Hibernia in Region 2 with 89.0 mm. As such, the NDIA said there is presently a problem with flooding du
e to siltation, the Ministry of Agriculture has deployed two excavators and a pontoon, which commenced de-silting the outfall channels, to bring relief to those affected as a result.
With respect to water accumulation in the city, NDIA will be collaborating with the City Engineer to see where assistance can be given where necessary since the drainage of Georgetown falls within the remit of the Mayor and City Council.
