The Ministry of Agriculture is urging residents and farmers in low-lying and vulnerable areas to take the necessary precautions against flooding as the existing drainage infrastructure is only designed to take off 1.5 inches of rainfall in 24 hours.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometeorological Service, the higher amount of rainfall over the weekend was concentrated on the East Coast of Demerara, and villages such as Beehive, Enterprise, Strathavon, Grove, Friendship, Mon Repos and Ogle were among some of the locations which recorded in excess of four inches of rainfall within a 48-hour period.
The current trend of intermittent rainfall, the Ministry noted, will persist for the next 48 hours, with heavier amounts very likely during the early morning hours. As existing drainage infrastructure is only designed to take off 1.5 inches of rainfall per day, persons living in vulnerable areas are asked to be more vigilant during this period.
RDCs, NDCs, local authorities, farmers and residents are also being urged to be on high alert to ensure all pumps are operational, drains and canals are cleared and all drainage infrastructure is intact as there may be flash flooding in low-lying and vulnerable areas across the coast.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely and make interventions where necessary and according to the agency there need not be any alarm as the NDIA has the capacity to deal with the situation.
The Ministry is advising farmers in affected areas who need assistance to contact the agency on telephone numbers 227-2204 or 227-5049.
