The homes of just over a hundred residents from Silvertown and Silver City, Linden have been flooded after torrential rainfall compounded by high tides yesterday morning, Regional Chairman Deron Adams told Stabroek News.
Adams yesterday informed that approximately 80 households have been under water in the township and requests have been made to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for assistance.
He added that following the rainfall, water levels stood at approximately three feet, and noted that the high tides, which are above normal for this week, have also contributed to the level of the water on the land.
The Regional Chairman told this newspaper that water levels were slowly receding but was quick to point out that should the rainfall continue, the environs of residents will remain inundated.
Adams pointed out that the region is still awaiting a response to the request directed to the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) for drains and creeks to be cleared of vegetation and desilted ahead of the rainy season.
“We hope that there can be some intervention from the government so that the residents can benefit from some relief from the flooding situation,” he said.
Should the NDIA expedite the region’s request, Adams expressed certainty that the impacts from the flooding will be reduced significantly.
He noted that regional councillors are traversing the region conducting impact assessments on the flooding situation.
Adams further explained that communities like Block 22 Wismar, Aroaima, Berbice River, Speightland, and other communities on the Demerara River are also reporting cases of flooding.
He stated that reports from Kwakwani have indicated that the water levels are continuing to rise.
“Many residents there will need foodstuff and hygiene supplies. The region has been trying to give as much assistance and the CDC has been helping but those residents will need more assistance because everything is flooded and in some areas water levels are like six feet,” Adams said.
Several parts of the country are currently experiencing record amounts of rainfall and the Ministry of Public Works has advised residents across Guyana that a High Tide Alert is in effect.
The alert spans from May 23 to May 29. The highest tides are expected on Wednesday May 26 and Thursday May 27.
Adams had previously said that the flooding in the region has also impacted the agricultural sector with many reporting loss of crops and poultry.
Last week, the CDC said it received reports that Kara Kara, Blueberry Hill, Block 42, Siberian Village, and Ladernsville, all experienced flooding as a result of heavy and consistent rainfall, and the overflowing of nearby creeks and rivers. Approximately 100 households and farmlands of Kara Kara were impacted, including latrines. In Blueberry Hill and Block 42 numerous households were affected and residents have indicated that there were improper channels for the floodwaters to recede in a timely manner. At least 20 households were impacted in Siberian Village, but residents and members of the Commu-nity Development Council cleaned the clogged drains in the area allowing the water to recede quickly. In Ladernsville, 10 households were affected and residents there indicated that there are insufficient drains to facilitate drainage.
