EVENTS:

There has been continuous heavy rainfall in Region 9 and in the Roraima State of Brazil resulting in the Rio Branco and Takuta Rivers overflowing their banks. As a result of this event, Lethem and its environs and other low lying areas of Region 9 have become inundated with flood water. These flood waters continue to rise and it has been reported that at its present level, it is the highest since 1973.

PROGNOSIS:

The Hyrometeorological Department of the Ministry of Agriculture forecasted that on Monday, June 06, 2011, Southern Guyana including Region 9 can expect cloudy conditions with moderate showers. On Tuesday, June 07, 2011 passing showers can be expected. For the rest of week till Saturday, June 11, 2011, Region 9 could expect intermittent rainfall. Despite the moderate forecast, water level in the affected areas could continue to rise as a result of the high Rio Branco River in Brazil that flows into the Ireng and Takutu Rivers. The Ministry of Public Works and Communication is to effect the required remedial works to render the main road to Lethem passable by Wednesday June 8, 2011.

IMPACT:

Lethem, St Ignatius and their immediate surroundings have being severely affected. Farmlands and roads in the region are flooded and bridges are damaged and four (4) houses have collapsed. The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) power plant at Lethem is not in operation and all primary schools are closed as a result of the flooding.


ACTIONS TAKEN:

The acting President, Mr. Samuel Hinds and Colonel (retired), Chubilall Ramsarup, Director General, Civil Defence Commission (CDC) flew into Lethem on Sunday June 05 to join, Mr. Robesen Benn, Minister of Public Works and Communication.  Together they will meet with regional officials and affected residents and conduct damage assessment and determine priority needs. They are expected to spend at least 36 hours on the ground. The team also took with them some relief supplies.  

Shelters Opened
The Arapaima Primary School and the Culvert City Nursery School have been established as shelters and house forty five (45) families.


Utilities Update
Assistance outside the affected region has been sought to assist with the restoration of electricity in the region.

Preventative works are being conducted by staff of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) and residents to prevent water from entering the telecommunication exchange building where sensitive equipment are housed

Transportation
Due to the impassable roads the Regional representatives and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) continue to transport residents via boat between Lethem and St Ignatius.

Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Arrangements
The Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination papers will be sent to Annai and Aishalton to facilitate students writing these examinations.

Additional Relief Provisions
The private sector agencies and the Guyana Red Cross Society in the Region are providing assistance to the affected residents. The Civil Defence Commission and the Regional Democratic Council have established the Regional Emergency Operations Centre at the Regional Guest House to coordinate the relief effort.

The Civil Defence Commission will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and collaborate with other stakeholders in the response effort.  


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

FAX: (592) 225-0486

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