Flooding in regions 8 and 10 as result of overtopping of creeks and rivers has left some residents seeking higher ground.
In Kwakwani, Region 10, rising floodwaters have forced residents to relocate to higher ground and seek shelter while in Region 8 overtopping of the Mahdia Creek has covered low-lying areas.
Region 10 Councillor Elroy Adolph yesterday told Stabroek News that water levels have been constantly rising on Lamp Island, Kwakwani.
He said that within the past 24 hours water levels have climbed by two feet. Since the flooding began last month, the Regional Councillor noted water levels have been fluctuating but the current situation has forced residents to move to higher ground along with their belongings.
“I noticed people are moving out their appliances and chairs and beds out of their houses to prevent damages. We have been seeing the water level rising,” he said.
He noted too that teachers and pupils of the Kwakwani Water Front nursery have not been able to attend school due to the high water levels.
In his estimation close to 60 homes are currently affected by the flooding in the community and he said their biggest concern is food security.
“With this level of flooding many people cannot work because the roads to logging are cut off from getting there and if water is coming to the village here imagine what is happening in the backdams. These people are going to be in need of food, water and shelter not cleaning supplies at this moment,” Adolph stressed.
Region 8 Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Shaun Britton yesterday related that the Mahdia district has seen extensive rainfall since Monday night. He pointed out that low-lying communities such as Tumatumari, 7 Miles, Wrong Turn and D’Anjou Hill are battling floods.
While speaking with Stabroek News he noted that a team has been on the ground assessing the damage and another team will be dispatched today across the region to provide assistance to affected persons.
He noted that at some points on the main road vehicles cannot traverse due to the flooding.
“This morning (yesterday) an ambulance taking a patient to the airstrip could not pass because of the flooded road. Public-spirited persons had to lift that person and walk to the airstrip through the flood to get them on the plane so they can get medical attention,” Britton explained.
Additionally, he noted that regional officials had to relocate one elderly individual and are continuing to monitor the situation.
Britton said that the water levels are likely to decrease quickly as the “Mahdia Creek flows really fast.”
As of last evening the situation on the ground changed with water levels dropping significantly and the road becoming visible once again.
