High tides cause major flooding in West Side villages

There has been overtopping as a result of high tides in several villages along West Coast Demerara, mainly Uitvlugt, Stewartville and Leonora, the Department of Public Information (DPI) has announced.

It has resulted in flooding in some areas and the Leonora Cottage Hospital has been affected.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings, a team from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, other Government officials and Col. Kester Craig and officials from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) are on the ground assessing the situation, distributing supplies and sandbags, a DPI release noted.

The Guyana Fire Service assisted in cleaning and securing the Leonora Cottage Hospital and is also assisting with the distribution of sandbags.

Another high tide is forecast for 3pm and overtopping is also expected along with flooding. The CDC team will remain on the ground for the next high tide and provide requisite assistance and guidance.

Residents in the affected areas are asked to take all necessary precautions and to stay away from the seawall and sea dams during the high tide. Residents should also avoid all unnecessary contact with flood waters.

Precautions should include moving all animals and poultry to higher ground, elevating furniture, appliances, electronic equipment and other valuables in lower flats, unplugging all appliances and electrical equipment in lower flats and using sand bags around doors to buildings.