…several homes, schools damaged
… SRDC, Region 9 RDC, CDC monitoring situation
Continuous tremors experienced in the South Rupununi, following the January 31, 2020 earthquake felt across Guyana, has caused cracks in the walls of some 27 homes and a Primary School.
This is according to the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) which has been publicly reporting on the “rumbling sounds” being heard in the Region since the 5.7 magnitude earthquake.
“The South Rupununi District Council has received reports from Sawariwau and Katoonarib Village Councils. The walls of Sawariwau Primary School are cracked, and in Katoonarib village 27 houses walls are cracked. This has happened because of the continuous tremors that the South Rupununi is experiencing. We urge everyone living within the area to be cautious and remain vigilant. Our prayers for the safety of our brothers and sisters during this unsettling time,” SRDC stated on Friday.
On Thursday, the SRDC updated that the Village Council of Katoonarib noted that the rumbling sounds continue within the proximity of the Rupununi River. Residents living around the area have reportedly been unable to sleep well at nights since the earthquake. They have also stated that cracks to their homes and on the ground are slowly widening.
The SRDC remains in constant contact with the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) and continues to relay information of the situation on the ground. Region Nine Regional Executive Officer (REO), Karl Singh has informed the CDC that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) will assist in the rehabilitation of the homes that are damaged. They have already procured construction materials.
On Sunday, January 31, 2021, an earthquake with a shallow depth of 10 km and an epicenter near Boa Vista, Roraima, occurred at 3:05 pm local time. Shallow earthquakes are felt more strongly than deeper ones as they are closer to the surface.
