Power restored, area deemed danger free after gas eruption at Diamond

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deemed the area in close proximity of the ‘gas explosion’ site at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) as “danger free”.

Kemraj Parsram, the EPA’s Executive Director (ag), told News Room Saturday that further tests at the location where a domestic water well erupted Thursday night confirmed that there are low levels of natural gas in the atmosphere.

A homeowner was drilling a well in his backyard when he hit a gas pocket, triggering a volcanic-like eruption of mud and rocks as high as 30 feet into the air.

Nearby residents, who were earlier advised against engaging in certain activities like cooking and smoking, can now go back to their regular routine.

Power has also been restored to the community.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) will soon begin cleanup works in the area where mud and other sludge-like particles have covered several houses.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is gearing to commence construction of an apparatus to trap the gas which is still bubbling from the orifice in the backyard.

When News Room visited the location Saturday morning, the area was cordoned off.