Floodwaters have receded marginally in parts of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), however, several other villages such as Nappi are inundated significantly, given that those areas are experiencing above normal rain fall and water draining from nearby hills and mountains.
As a result, at least 20 persons in the region are displaced and have been relocated temporarily with relatives and/or friends.
According to information from the Civil Defense Commission (CDC), homes and other structures have collapsed due to intense rainfall and heavy winds.
The commission has since set-up shelters in a few villages to house affected persons, but there are no occupants thus far.
Aids such as cleaning and food hampers, mosquito nets and buckets, have been provided to affected persons across the region, while the commission and regional authorities work jointly to monitor and assess the circumstances to manage further impacts.
Last month, several villages in Region Nine were underwater following the prolonged downpours.
Some of the most affected villages were Potarinau, South Central Rupununi, Aishalton, Parishara and Nappi Village. In addition to these villages, several bridges and roads were not accessible to vehicular traffic.
One such bridge was the Iwokrama Reserve, approximately 15 minutes away from the Kurupukari Crossing. In addition, the Pirara to Lethem Road was completely underway thus leaving scores of passengers stranded on both sides. In light of these occurrences, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) dispatched a team to the affected areas to conduct thorough assessments. In addition, it handed over cleaning supplies to the Regional Authorities to be distributed to the residents.
Meanwhile, Regional Democratic Council (RDC) had called for an emergency meeting to discuss and address the challenges faced in the region by rising water levels. During the meeting, systems were activated to ensure the safety of all residents at this time.
However, the residents are advised to take all necessary precautions against waterborne diseases and floods and to be vigilant.
“Residents are encouraged to Listen to the local radio station and follow updates on the Office of the Regional Executive Officer, Facebook page, and the Regional Democratic Council Region nine page for accurate information,” the RDC stated.
The RDC staff have been providing free boat transportation to ensure the continued safe passage of Lethem residents following the submergence of the Pirara Bridge.
Residents are urged to be cautious during this period and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 at any time. (G1)
The post More persons temporarily displaced due to flooding in Region 9 appeared first on Guyana Times.