House splits in half as floodwaters rise again in Kwakwani

Though floodwaters had receded significantly, the situation in Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) is still dire; Regional Chairman, Deron Adams, reported that a house split in half due to rising waters as a result of the recent heavy rainfall.

“While the water would have receded a lot a few weeks back, the situation is still bad…we received a report that a house split in half…shop and other houses are still underwater,” Adams reported during a telephone interview on Monday.

While there are no reported outbreaks of water-borne diseases, Adams said that the residents have to contend with dangerous reptiles being discovered in their water-logged homes.

Added to this, the Regional Chairman said in the area of Lamp Island, water is still at least eight feet high, though it has receded in other parts of the community.

As a result of the high floodwaters, several shelters were established in Kwakwani, Aroaima, Rockstone, Hururu, and one at the Guyana Forestry Commission compound.

Adams reported that only the shelters at Aroaima, the Kwakwani Primary School, and at the Forestry compound currently house residents, amounting to 97 persons in total.

Kwakwani has continued to receive support from the Guyana Civil Defence Commission (CDC), which has since intensified flood relief measures countrywide.

The CDC’s efforts are also aided by the Region 10 Disaster and Preparedness and Relief Committee to help mitigate the flooding situation in the region.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, had announced that health authorities have been monitoring the nationwide flooding and has mobilised resources such as bleach to purify water, and skin ointments and creams to treat rashes.