…CDC, Govt ministries assessing situation
Water levels continue to rise in several parts of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), along with the Ministries of Public Health and Public Infrastructure and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), is currently assessing flood-affected communities while monitoring the region’s level of preparedness.
A team of high-level officials visited Karasabai in the South Pakaraimas on Saturday and evaluated the main access roads and the level of water at the Ireng and Takutu Rivers.
Acting Director-General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, said it was observed that Central Karasabai and its environs are being threatened, with some of the villages having been cut off because of the level at which the bridges have submerged. Craig said the community of Aishalton is similarly impacted, and in other areas of the Deep South, the bridges are under water and accessing most of the communities is difficult.
An assessment was also conducted in and around Central Rupununi, particularly in Lethem, where it was observed that the water level in the Takutu River has risen and residents in close proximity to the Tabatinga Creek are affected.
The Director-General further noted that the CDC would continue to work with the RDC to determine if there would be need for long-term shelters, supplies, beddings, sheets, cots, food and cleaning agents.
He also commended the RDC and the Council for responding promptly to the situation. He added that the main aim of the visit is to locate deficiencies in the region’s preparedness and response capability, and work towards enhancing those deficiencies.
Over the past week, heavy rains have caused flooding in the South Pakaraimas, Deep South, and Central Rupununi areas. Alternative routes between communities from Katoonarib to Karaudarnauwa have been identified so that residents and vehicles can safely travel to their destinations.
Annually, during the dry season, Rupununi suffers from drought, but that has been mitigated with the construction of reservoirs and the drilling of several wells. In the rainy season, waters from the mountains in the highland region enter creeks and streams, which lead to the rivers being unable to accommodate the large volume of water.
Some rivers overflow their banks, which ultimately leads to the flooding of some villages and large swathes of savannah lands.
