CDC activates the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in response to floods
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) earlier today conducted assessments around the capital city of Georgetown which was impacted by the heavy rainfall in the early morning hours. This impact was further assisted by the continuing above-normal high tides which have been predicted to overtop river and sea defenses.
The wards/villages where the CDC visited and met with residents were North and South Ruimveldt, East and West Ruimveldt, Alexander Village, Stabroek, Charlestown, Albouystown, Wortmanville, Durban Park and Bel Air.
Following these assessments, the Director General of the CDC Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig has partially activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) on the direction of the Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Hon. Mark Phillips – who has ministerial responsibility for disaster management – to respond to the flooding. The NEOC will immediately look towards the possibility of shelters in Regions that have been impacted by the continuous weather.
Assessments and response were conducted earlier in the week to communities along the East Coast of Demerara in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), on the West Coast of Berbice in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and in the town of Linden in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).
The Commission has also procured sand and sandbags to assist residents who are at further risk while preparation of sanitation and cleaning supplies have been completed for households that have been inundated.
The NEOC, earlier this evening, met in a virtual meeting as they commenced strategising for the current situation and the projected impending showers and thundershowers which are expected to last until November 10, 2020.
The National Emergency Operations Centre comprises – but is not limited to – representatives from the Civil Defence Commission, Office of the Prime Minister, Mayor & City Councilors of Georgetown, Ministry of Local Government, Guyana Hydrometeorological Services, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Health, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, National Drainage & Irrigation Authority, Guyana Red Cross Society, Rotary Club of Georgetown and St. John’s Ambulance Brigade.
The CDC is urging residents of riverine, low-lying and flood prone areas to take all necessary precautions and to contact the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 226-1114, 623-1700 and 600-7500, should they be affected.