Georgetown: Following reports of flooding in Region 5, on Monday, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) deployed a team to conduct a damage assessment and distribute cleaning supplies to the affected residents
The government’s aggressive approach in ensuring that residents in low-lying areas along the coast are prepared for the usually high tides has helped to cushion the impact the flooding.
The CDC has been actively engaging residents in vulnerable communities. Those in low-lying areas were urged to stay alert and take all necessary precautions, as the country would be experiencing unusual high tides from October 25 to October 30, 2019. While efforts were being made in various areas across the coast, the emphasis was placed at the Dantzig to Fairfield foreshore where there was a breach in the sea defence.
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has been working assiduously in the Dantzig area to repair the damaged defence mechanism.
During a visit to the region on Monday, the Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to several residents who commended the government for the efforts they have made to bring relief to the area.
Mala Jorree told DPI that due to the advisories issued by the CDC, she and her family were able to secure their home and livestock before the tides hit.
“It does help because you are prepared for it, you’re looking at the timings so you can put your stuff away,” Jorree explained, nothing that they were able to use the sandbags to mitigate the rising water levels in the drains.
Another resident, Ramcharan Ramdeo commended the government for putting measures in place ahead of the spring tides. Ramdeo, who resides near a canal, explained that work was done to build the canal walls higher so it can accommodate the influx of water when the tide rises. “I am glad now that they build this, cause if this hadn’t been built, the house would have been half in water,” he remarked.
There were also reports of flooding in several communities in Essequibo Islands-West Demerara. According to the CDC, the Regional Disaster Management System has been activated and deployed to some of the affected communities. The CDC is also going to be in the region today to conduct assessments and deliver sanitation hampers.
There were also reports of overtopping in Georgetown along the seawall
The CDC is continuously monitoring the situation across the coast and is rendering assistance where needed.
The CDC’s advisory remains in effect as the high tides continue according to schedule.
Residents living along the coastline in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are advised to take the following precautions to minimise damage to property and prevent any health hazard.
- Report any sea defence breaches.
- Place sandbags where needed.
- Unplug all electrical items.
- Place all essential documents in sealed plastic bags or containers and place the same in a safe space.
- Elevate all household furniture and appliances.
- Relocate livestock to higher ground.
- Create containerised storage for drinking and cooking water.
- Use purification tablets as prescribed.
- Ensure children and the elderly stay clear of flooded water.
- Visit the nearest health centre if you experience any skin irritation or feel sick.
The public is also advised to remain alert and aware of the water levels and the weather situation at all times. Floods, damage to sea defence and overtopping should be reported to the Civil Defence Commission on (592) 226-1114, 226-8815, 226-1027 or 225-5847, or their 24 Hours National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on (592) 623-1700 and 600-7500.
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