Over 30 households flooded in Kwakwani – CDC

Approximately 37 households are affected by flooding in Lamp Island, Kwakwani following intense rainfall over the past few days, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) revealed in a statement on Thursday.

“An average of 37 households are affected at Lamp Island but reports outline that most homes are built on stilts so the water levels are high in yards,” the CDC said.

The CDC has indicated that it is prepared and ready to lend support to communities in Kwakwani and other parts of Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) that are affected by the flood.

Apart from Lamp Island, residents of Ladernsville in Aroaima are also inundated.

“Residents there have indicated that farms are flooded and the increasing water levels suggest that homes may also be affected. Families have begun to elevate and relocate assets and livestock,” the CDC said in its statement.

In Ladernsville, the Community Development Council (CDC) is working closely with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to assist residents who may need to relocate if the floods intensify.

Several families in Kwakwani had to relocate while others chose to remain in the upper flats of their homes.

The Ministry of Education, Regional Authorities and the CDC are currently establishing a shelter in Kwakwani to house affected residents should they require alternative accommodation.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, who heads the National Taskforce on Flood Monitoring, has implored all persons living in low-lying, flood-prone and riverine areas to strongly consider permanently relocating to avoid enduring such hazards in the future.

The Prime Minister has indicated that flooding in Lethem and now Kwakwani shows a pattern that can be avoided.

To date, Regions Two, Five, Nine and Ten have reported significant flooding and the Government of Guyana, through its various response mechanisms, has been actively addressing all related issues.

Rain is forecasted to continue countrywide over the next 24 hours according to the National Weather Watch Centre and all are urged to take the necessary flood precautions and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.