The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is preparing to send relief supplies to Region Nine to several areas impacted by flooding.
On Tuesday morning, the Village Voice News reported that the St.Ignatius bridge, which leads to Stock Farm and other villages has been flooded, effects of the heavy rainfall and water flow from mountainous areas to lower areas.
Residents, including school children, were seen wading through floodwaters to get to their destination. Flooding in the Region has also affected livestock and crop farmers in Lethem, Tabatinga and Culvert City.
Speaking with the media later on Tuesday, CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, said that several areas in Region 9 are inundated and residents are receiving assistance from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Lethem Town Council. The total number of affected households is still tentative as assessments are ongoing.
While providing the update, Craig was present at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown where a truck was being packed full of food and cleaning supplies. The supplies are scheduled to commence transportation Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, a CDC technical team headed by the Director-General will be deployed tomorrow to aid with assessments and support the Regional Response Mechanism.
Based on the CDC’s data, in Lethem, torrential rainfall resulted in flooded areas such as Market Square and the Magistrate’s Court. The potential threat of water-borne illnesses and tentative shelter locations for displaced residents are still being determined.
Thus far, the Culvert City Nursery, Arapaima Primary School and Tapachinga Sports Complex have been identified as potential shelter locations.
In Bashaizon, Rupununi approximately 48 households were impacted due to heavy rainfall and over-topping of the Takutu River. Residents were urged to secure all at-risk items to minimise damage to property.
In the Parabara, Rupununi area 48 residents were affected, including cassava farms and farine and bread-making shops.
The CDC has urged residents in Region 9 and all other Regions across Guyana to be vigilant and cautious during this rainy season.
