The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) last night stated that it was monitoring the impact of heavy winds and high water levels in regions Six, Seven, and Eight.
Within the past 96 hours, the CDC said that they have received reports of roofs being blown off and damaged due to storms in regions Six and Eight and structures being compromised by rising water levels in Region Seven.
On Wednesday, approximately 11 homes suffered extensive damage after a storm ripped through the Indigenous village of Kato in the North Pakaraimas, Region Eight.
According to information reaching Stabroek News, the storm passed over the village with heavy winds and rain just around 1.30pm.
Villager, Kemal Robinson, in a brief interview told this newspaper that many household items as well as clothing had been soaked by the rain after the roofs were blown off.
“This one that happened on Wednesday was worse; more rain, heavier winds. Even the cloud cover was so much you couldn’t see anything… we had a storm similar to this 2-3 year ago with the same rains and winds but this one was worse,” he recalled.
According to him, the storm lasted for an hour and it was after it abated that they learnt of the extensive damage.
“A few houses the roofs were blown off and neighbours had to help reconstruct the roofs and [repair damage]. There might be more but we didn’t hear of it as yet,” Robinson informed.
Meanwhile, the CDC in a statement yesterday said that they were mobilising support to send to the village.
“Regional Representatives have conducted an assessment and relayed information to the CDC. As a result, the Commission has prepared relief items such as hammocks, blankets, clothing, tarpaulin, water containers, buckets and disinfectant which will be dispatched to the Region as soon as possible,” the statement explained.
Due to unfavourable weather conditions, CDC’s spokesman Patrice Wishart related, they had so far not been able to charter a flight to send supplies to the village.
The emergency response agency is preparing to send food supplies and materials for the reconstruction of the homes, Wishart explained.
Further, the CDC said it was also monitoring water high levels in the border community of Eteringbang.
Reports from that community indicate that water levels have risen significantly in the previous 72 hours and have affected structures on the river bank. However, upon assessing the situation, if was observed that the residents have put adaptive measures in place. Regional representatives have cautioned though, that if the water levels increase, they will need assistance.
Moreover, the CDC disclosed that a team was dispatched to Fyrish Village, Corentyne, to assess damage sustained after high winds hit the village.
One resident on Tuesday evening suffered property damage to their home and yard when high winds impacted their roof, causing it to collapse almost entirely.
The emergency response agency stated that it will continue to assess, monitor and render aid where necessary.
The National Weather Watch Centre has predicted that more rain will occur during the weekend, especially along the coastland, and regions Seven and Ten.
Residents are therefore urged to exercise caution, stay safe, and to report any impacts to the local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 226-1114 or 600-7500 at any time.
