Following torrential rain, flooding in parts of Georgetown began to recede late yesterday afternoon as pumps and sluices in and around the city were all functioning.
According to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), following the reports that several locations in and around Georgetown were flooded, the National Flood Taskforce and National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, the hydrometeorological Office, city engineer and other relevant authorities were on alert and monitored the situation.
In a press release the commission said that as of 12:45 pm all pumps in the Georgetown area were completely functioning even as engineers are expected to monitor on a 24-hour basis.
City Mayor Ubraj Narine noted that the changing climate along with dumping and littering puts pressure on the drainage infrastructure. In a post to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council’s official Facebook Page at around 4:50pm, the council stated that kokers were opened and as a result water had begun receding in parts of Georgetown.
Meanwhile, the CDC in a later release stated that members of the National Flood Taskforce including Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips visited several locations across Georgetown as they assessed the impact of the flooding.
During the assessment, pumps and sluices at Cowan Street, Water Street, Princes Street, Sussex Street, Ruimveldt, Kitty and Liliendaal among others were all inspected and were functioning. According to the CDC, the engineers and pump attendants revealed that there were “minor obstacles to overcome,” however flood reduction assets are operating to full capacity.
Additionally it was noted that the Hydrometeorological Service has forecast frequent rainfall along the coastland over the next 12 hours and as a result all agencies are on standby to respond.
