Message: The Civil Defence Commission in Guyana has reported  that continuous and heavy rainfall over the last 48 hours has resulted in flooding in several communities including the capital, Georgetown.  

EVENT:
Guyana has been experiencing continuous and heavy rainfall mainly in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 10 over the last 48 hours. This has resulted in flooding in the farmlands, residential areas and businesses in several communities on the low coastal plain of these Regions including the capital city, Georgetown. Initial reports from the Regions stated that some homes of residents are inundated with between 2 to 6 inches of water. However, over the last 12 hours, rainfall has eased and water was receding in these affected areas.

PROGNOSIS:
The Hydrometeorological Department of the Ministry of Agriculture reported that Tuesday, February 22, 2011, mainly cloudy conditions  and intermittent rain can be expected along coastal and near inlands areas. On Wednesday, February 23, 2011, partly cloudy conditions with showers can be expected mostly along coastal areas. Additionally, above normal high tide is expected on Tuesday reaching the height of 3.07 m.

AREAS AFFECTED:
Major impacted areas in the various regions are as follows:

Region 2:
The communities of Henrietta, Richmond, Lima, Bush Lot, Reliance, Better Success, Westbury, Affiance, Columbia, Queenstown, Zorg, Johanna Cecilia, and Supernaam are reported to be flooded.

Region 3:
The communities of Sans Souci, Wakenaam, Waterloo, Doornhaag, Leguan, Cecelia, SupernaamWestern Hogg Island, low areas of Windsor Forest, Patentia, Bell West, Oku, Nimes, Goed Fortuin, Poueroyen, Harlem, Tuschen Housing Schemen, Vreed-en-HooP New Road and Canal Number one are reported to be inundated.

Region 4:
Most of Georgetown remains inundated as well as the communities of Friendship, Providence, Diamond, Peters Hall, Craig and Herstelling on the East Bank of Demerara, and sections of Montrose, Vryheid’s Lust, Sections of Mon Repos, Industry, Plaisance Housing Scheme, Laluni, Unity,  Lusignan, Enterprise, Beehive, Clonbrook, Greenfield, Anns Grove and low farming areas in Cane Grove on the East Coast of Demerara.
The water level in the Mahaica River has been increased.

Region 5:
No reports of flooding have been received from this region except for Blairmont, however, it was reported that the water level in the Mahaicony and Abary Rivers has increased.

Region 6:
Minor flooding have been reported in low residential areas in Joanna, Mibikuri, Black Bush Polder, No: 19, 51, 52 farming areas, West Canje , Vryman’s Erven and Fryish.

Region 10:
Flooding reported in Coomacka Mines.

IMPACT:
The total losses and number of persons affected to date is yet to be determined.

ACTIONS TAKEN:
Civil Defence Commission (CDC)

The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) was activated on February 21, 2011 at 4.00pm  and is monitoring the flood situation on a 24 hours basis. Additionally, the Commission commenced the reposition of relief supplies and has provided sleeping equipment to the shelter that has been established by the GRC.

Contact has been made with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to place on standby personnel that will be required to augment the staff of the NEOC and at the shelters if and when established.

Contact has been made with the Guyana Lands and Survey’s Commission to provide a Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist to assist with the preparations of maps.

Ministries and Governmental Organizations

Several senior government officials were deployed into the affected communities to assess the damages.

Ministry of Agriculture
The Hydromet Department continues to monitor the weather and provide updates. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority continues to monitor the drainage system, pumps and conservancies in the affected regions and provides updates to the relevant agencies.  NDIA is also engaged in the clearing of outfalls in areas such as Winsor Forest, Good Hope and Green Field and other affected areas.  NDIA reported that all pumps and sluices are operational.

Ministry of Human Services and Social Security
The night shelter in East La Penitence has been made available to be used as shelters for displaced personnel.

Non-Governmental Organizations
Guyana Relief Council (GRC)

The GRC has activated their shelter located at Houston on the East Bank of Demerara, opposite Banks DIH.

Evacuation of Residents
Most of the affected persons have either moved their family for safety or to the upper flats of their two-storey buildings. There have been no reports of persons reporting  to the two established shelters

FURTHER ACTION

The Commission has identified the needs to take the following further actions:-

• Damage Assessments including an aerial overview to quantify the extent of the damage and identify needs;
• Appropriate mapping of all the affected communities to determine the water level.

REGIONAL RESPONSE:

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) made contact with the affected state to get an overview of the situation which is presently being managed at the national level.

CDEMA CU will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate.

Contact Information

NATIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE (NEOC)
Address: Civil Defence Commission, Thomas Road, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.
Telephone #: (592) 226-1114, 226-8815, 226-1027 or 225-5847
FAX: (592) 225-0486
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


The CDEMA CU 24Hr contact number is 246-425-0386