The Ministry of Public Works is once again warning that high tides are expected by midweek and overtopping of the sea and river defences is likely to occur.
Along the Rupert Craig Highway the ministry has already placed additional sandbags in preparation for the possibility of flooding. The sea surges have been exceptional this year shutting down East-bound traffic on the highway multiple times.
In an advertisement in yesterday’s Guyana Chronicle, Ministry officials are predicting that the highest tides will most likely occur this coming Sunday, May 26. This is set to be the highest of the spring tides for the year at 3.21 metres and occurring at 4.36 am. Advertisements such as this one are not placed by the ministry in the Stabroek News.
The Sea and River Defence Department is requesting that all residents living along low-lying areas take the necessary precautions against possible flooding. The department has also issued a warning that recreational activities along beaches and foreshores should cease during this period from May 22 to May 30, when the surges are expected.
Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn had stated that spring tides are expected to breach the sea defences and as a result the sandbags along low-lying areas including the Rupert Craig Highway, while temporary, would be the most beneficial step. He noted that providing residents along river embankments and the East Coast, with adequate warning has proven beneficial in preventing heavy amounts of property damage.
Benn had told Stabroek News that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was constantly updating the ministry on changing weather patterns. He said that due to the erosion of the mud shore along parts of the seawall, overtopping has been damaging. However the temporary preventive measures have significantly reduced the amount of flooding. Benn stated that “the effects although they were dramatic were not as severe,” compared to the previous years when the phenomenon began along Montrose, East Coast vicinity.
The high tides alerts are for Onderneeming to Airy Hall along the Essequibo Coast, Bendorff-Wakenaam Island, Leguan Island, Vreed-en-Hoop to Sparta, EBD, from Kitty to Ogle along the Rupert Craig Highway, Abary to Washington, West Coast Berbice and along the Berbice and Canje Rivers.
