PM calls on citizens in low-lying areas to take necessary precautions as CDC monitors heavy rainfall

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips is urging persons who live in low-lying and flood-prone areas to take precautions in the coming days as Guyana continues to experience heavy rainfall.

A release from the Office of the Prime Minister said the PM was speaking during a briefing held at the Civil Defence Commission’s Headquarters, Thomas Lands.

“We are in the rainy season and some amount of flooding is expected. While we do not hope for it, we are working to closely monitor the situation. Persons who reside on low-lying areas and those who are affected by flooding, I encourage you to take all precautions to minimise the damage that is associated with flooding in all communities,” the PM was quoted in the release.

The Prime Minister, who holds responsibility for disaster risk management, revealed that the Cabinet Taskforce on Flooding is also monitoring the rainfall.

Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission, Colonel (Ret’d), Nazrul Hussain, in an invited comment relayed that the CDC has embarked on a public awareness campaign on their social media platforms and is urging residents to take all necessary precautions.

He noted that the Commission is working with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometeorological Service and several other stakeholders to monitor and respond to reports of flooding.

In the meantime, a flood advisory warning is being issued based on the predicted weather forecast for the week

CDC also advised citizens to remain vigilant and cautious and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 at any time.