With more than 96 households affected by flooding in Region Nine, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) yesterday said that a truck filled with relief supplies has departed for the region and is expected to arrive today.
Torrential rainfall and trans-boundary flooding associated with the increase in water levels of the River Branco in the Roraima State of Brazil have left communities, farmlands and roadways in the Rupununi inundated. Lethem which is located close to the Takutu River is also affected.
The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) yesterday said that an assessment team consisting of representatives from the Guyana Defence Force, the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, among several others, will be deployed across the region to assess the impact of the flooding.
“The team will also work along with the Village Councils in assessing, monitoring and managing the impacts of the floods affecting farmers and residents,” the RDC stated.
Further, after initial assessments, the RDC informed of the decision to establish shelters at the Arapaima Primary School, Culvert City and Tabatinga nursery schools, and the Tabatinga sports complex building in Central Lethem. A health team will stationed at each shelter to detect potential outbreaks of illnesses caused by mosquitoes and stagnant water.
Due to the road leading to St Ignatius being flooded, boats will also be available to shuttle commuters between St Ignatius Village and Lethem.
Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock said that food, potable water, and sanitary supplies will be distributed to households affected by the floods. He is encouraging all residents across the Region to continue to take all precautionary measures against flooding, and follow all COVID-19 guidelines.
When contacted last night regarding the number of households in Lethem that were affected, Allicock said that assessments in this regard are still ongoing.
However, the CDC said that approximately 48 households in the Bashaizon were impacted as a result of torrential rains and the overtopping of the Takutu River. In Parabara 48 households were also affected. A number of cassava farms were also affected. In Lethem, assessments are ongoing but the Market Square and Magistrate Court are currently inundated,
“Residents were urged to secure all at-risk, personal effects so as to
minimise damage to property,” the CDC said.
Meanwhile, Director General of the CDC Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said that hampers are being prepared for the flood impacted areas in the Region and will be transported by truck to Lethem. The truck is scheduled to leave tonight and traverse the trail from Linden to Lethem.
He added that a CDC technical team headed by himself will be in the Region tomorrow to aid with assessments and to support the Regional Response Mechanism.
