The Hydrometeorological Service last evening forecast flash flooding for coastal, near inland areas and some areas in regions Seven and Ten and increased rainfall is expected for the first months of this year.
Frequent light to moderate showers and light intermittent rain are expected to affect coastal regions and some areas in regions Seven, Eight and Ten this morning, it said in a statement. Thunderstorms are likely over inland areas of regions Three, Four and Six.
Rainfall is expected to range between 5mm to 30mm, the highest over near inland districts, the Hydromet Service added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture said that Guyana is currently being affected by La Niña weather conditions. “The most recent statistical and forecast models indicate that this event is expected to sustain or increase its strength, and endure at least through the normal La Niña life cycle into the first quarter of 2011. As such, Guyana can expect above normal rainfall during this rainy season,” it said.
The Ministry pointed out that this has been the case for the last few days “but due to a concerted maintenance programme of canals and drains by NDCs, CDCs, WUAs and farmers groups, the drainage system has been coping well with the current weather phenomena.”
The Ministry said that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has intensified works around the country to mitigate the present La Niña conditions. It said that works have intensified in all vulnerable regions of the country to ensure that during the present La Niña phase farmers and residents are not adversely affected. It added that the works, which are currently being processed and paid for, will continue during this period, including completed and ongoing works in East Berbice, East Coast Demerara, Wakenaam, Leguan, Region 10, Essequibo Coast and Mahaica/Mahaicony Riverain areas.
It added that the NDIA will continue to undertake its programme of works along with the undertaking of major projects to mitigate the weather conditions. NDIA works include the dredging of outfall channels along the coastline, deployment of personnel and equipment such as mobile pumps to vulnerable areas and clearing and excavating of critical drainage canals.
The NDIA will continue to work closely with all RDCs, NDCs and other stakeholders. All farmers and residents are asked to be vigilant during this period, ensuring that drainage infrastructure is opened in a timely manner and there is no vandalism to any such structures, the Ministry appealed.
