Guyana Floods Situation Report # 2
Flooding in Guyana - Situation Report  # 2 as of 1900 hours, February 1, 2012
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Guyana has issued the following report on flooding in several regions of the country.EVENTS:
Continuous rainfall commenced in Guyana on Saturday January 28, 2012 to present. This resulted in flooding in several communities in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, particularly, those communities located on the Coastal Plain and along the Abary, Mahaica, and Mahaicony rivers. The water in East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) reached its critical level and water is being released periodically during the low tides into the Mahaica River through the Maduni Sluice.
The release of water in the Mahaica River is exacerbating the flooding already experienced by the communities along the Mahaica and Mahaicony Rivers.
PROGNOSIS:
It was forecasted by the Hydrometeorological Department of the Ministry of Agriculture that cloudy to overcast skies are expected over all regions with rainfall expected to be between 0.0mm and 25.0mm.
Additionally, for the rest of the week, the country especially the coastal regions can expect cloudy conditions with moderate showers.
With the continued release of water into the Mahaica River through the Maduni Sluice, the flooding of communities along the Mahaica and Mahaicony Rivers will get worst in the next 24 hours.
IMPACT
Total loss and the total number of persons affected to date, are yet to be determined.
AREAS AFFECTED
Region 1 - BARIMA-WAINI
The Regional Democratic Council of this region reported that Moruca, Sand Jose to Kumaka, Tucupitha to Maturin, Kamwatta to Haimaracabra, Rinion to Cabrora and Waramuri to Para districts remain flooded. Most of the roads in these affected communities were closed to vehicular traffic.
The Regional Administration provided a boat to take school children of Tucupitha and Maturin to and from school.
Region 2 - POMEROON-SUPENAAM
The water level has dropped significantly in the areas that were flooded on the coastland.  Additionally, flood water continues to recede in the areas affected including Annandale to Riverstown, Pomona Housing Scheme, Airy Hall, Adventure, Mariah’s Lodge, Reliance, Anna Regina, Henrietta, Richmond Housing Scheme, Lima, Paradise, Dartmouth and Evergreen. The flood water in Pomeroon areas remains high.
Two Government Ministers visited the Region today, February 01, 2012 to assess the situation and inspect the conservancy. They are expected to visit the Pomeroon areas on Thursday, February 2, 2012.
Representatives from NDIA continue to monitor the sluices and pumps within the region.
Region 3 - ESSEQUIBO ISLANDS-WEST DEMERARA
The following communities remain inundated, Vergenoegen, North Anna Catherina, Block X and Y Corneliia Ida, Wallers Delight Squatting Area, Crane, South Vreed-en-Hoop, Pouderoyen, Western Goed Fortuin Public Road, North and South Canal Number 1 and 2. The farmlands and residential areas in the said communities are inundated between 6- 8 inches of water.
Flood water remains high in trenches and canals in most areas and residents continue to move livestock to higher grounds.
Representatives from NDIA continue to monitor the sluices and pumps within the region.
Region 4 - DEMERARA-MAHAICA
The following communities remain inundated even though the water is receding on the East Coast Demerara including Greenfield, Beehive, Clonbrook, Anns Grove, Dochfour, Lusignan, Hope, Paradise, Enterprise, Dazzel Housing Scheme, Buxton, Annandale, Mon Repos Triumph and Montrose. On the East Bank Demerara including, Diamond New Housing Scheme Herstelling, Diamond, and Mocha. Mostly the residential areas were inundated with between 1 inch to 2 feet of water.
The Minister of Agriculture and team visited the affected areas on Wednesday, February 01, 2012.
Representatives from NDIA continue to monitor the sluices and pumps and conduct preventative works within the region.
Region 5 - MAHAICA-BERBICE
The Regional Democratic Council of this region has reported that floodwater has receded in all residential areas except for some low lying areas in the Mahaica and Mahaicony Creek areas. Mortice, Gordon Table, Pine Ground, First Savannah and Esau & Jacob remain flooded.
The farmlands in most of these areas continue to be significantly affected in addition to the livestock. Residents continue to pump water out of the rice cultivation area in an effort to save the rice crops.
NDIA reported that all pumps in these areas are operational.
Region 6 - EAST BERBICE-CORENTYNE
The Regional Democratic Council of this region reported flooding in Ordnance Housing Scheme, No. 1 and 2 Villages, Palmyra, Cumberland, Sheet Anchor Kendalls, Warren Seawall, Susannah, Don Robin, No. 7 Village, No. 11 Village, Gibraltar, Fryish, Courtland, Belevdere, Albion Front, High Reef, Hampshire Reef, Letter Kenny, Rose Hall, Whim, Auchline, Black Bush Polder Mibicuri, Lesbeholden Johanna, Yakusari, Maida, Kilmarnock, Phillippi, Cromarty, Wellington Park, Tarlogie, Vryman’s Ervin and Glasgow Housing Scheme.
NDIA reported that all pumps and sluices in these areas are operational and they continue to monitor them and conduct preventative works within the region as the need arises.
PUBLIC BUILDING UPDATES
Schools
Nothing further to report
ACTIONS BY THE CIVIL DEFENCE COMMISSION
The Commission Defence Commission continues to monitor and assess the vulnerable communities and conservancies that are usually affected by the heavy rains.
ACTION BY OTHER ORGANISATIONS
Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health reported that teams are on standby to respond.
Ministry of Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture continues to conduct assessment of affected areas and representatives from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority continue to monitor the pumps, sluices and conservancies in all the affected regions.
Guysuco
Nothing further to report
NEEDS
The Commission has identified the following immediate needs:
•   Damage Assessments including an aerial reconnaissance to be conducted to identify and quantify the extent of the flooding in the regions
•   Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping of all the affected communities to determine the water level and to assist in decision making.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE (NEOC)
Contact Information
Address: Civil Defence Commission, Thomas Road, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.
Telephone #: (592) 226-1114, 226-8815, 226-1027 or 225-5847
24 Hours #: (592) 600-3000, 624-9000
FAX: (592) 225-0486
Email: