Water level increasing in Reg. 10; CDC assessment ongoing in other regions

Regions across Guyana have been trying to return to some level of normalcy following weeks of intense rainfall and higher-than-usual tides but floodwaters in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) is on the increase, once again.

This was confirmed on Thursday by the Public Information Officer of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Patrice Wishart. It was reported that several communities in the region were once again flooded, after three days of continuous rainfall. During the months of May and June, communities in this region were among the hardest-hit amid the nationwide flooding.

On June 30, the CDC reported that the water was receding all across the country. In Region 10, the Commission stated that the water receded by approximately 18 inches in the communities of Kwakwani, Hururu, Sandhills, Dalawala and Landerville. In some instances, however, the bottom flats of houses and farmlands were still flooded with about four feet of water.

In Maria Elizabeth, Muritaro, Malali, and Great falls, the water receded by approximately three to six inches, but water levels were still at approximately three feet high with homes and farms still flooded.

Wishart could not state what the water level was on Thursday but noted that assessments were ongoing.

“Assessments are being conducted in other locations as we speak. Especially on the coast and Region Six in its entirety,” he said also.

At the end of June, when the flooding had subsided, officials from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) visited Guyana to conduct a Detailed Damage Sectoral Assessment (DDSA) of the nationwide flooding.

Monetary support for farmers who have suffered due to the nationwide flooding, as well as the relocation of farms, are among the key recommendations made by CDEMA and presented to Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, members of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and other ministers of government.

The full report from CDEMA is not yet completed.