Above-normal rainfall to continue until August

Guyanese are being placed on notice that the above-normal rainfall, which the country has experienced in recent weeks, leading to widespread flooding, is likely to continue for another two months.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips, made the disclosure while providing an update on the flooding situation to the National Assembly on Thursday.

“We will continue to experience above-normal rainfall between June to August 2021,” Phillips told the house.

To this end, he said flooding also remains a concern over the period June to mid-July.

Currently, all the rivers have overtopped; flooding contiguous farmlands and residential areas, the Prime Minister said. He described the situation in the hinterland as “distressing”, explaining that food security is now threatened.

“Severe conditions have affected over 29,300 households in more than 300 communities, causing damage to homes, distress and loss of livestock, farmlands, other forms of livelihoods… families are forced to evacuate and seek refuge at shelters due to damage to homes,” he said while at the same time praising the government’s “swift response.”

He said too that in light of the developments, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), which falls under his purview, has been active in its relief efforts and management of shelters.

Up to Thursday, 19, 935 food hampers have been distributed across the country in flood-affected areas with another several thousand cleaning hampers distributed.

Some 201 persons are currently housed in shelters. On Wednesday, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the CDC advised that the flood situation across the country is now a Level 2 Disaster.

The Prime Minister said for as long as these conditions remain, the CDC will continue to ensure timely assessment and response; engaging relevant agencies to address key emergency concerns.

“As our country continues to face this national crisis the government assures of its unwavering support.

“While we have the national capacity to respond at this time we are seeking some external assistance as required to bring relief to our citizens,” he concluded.