CDC closely monitoring weather pattern

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Over the last few days, the Civil Defence Commission along with the National Weather Watch Centre has been closely monitoring the weather patterns in Guyana, particularly along coastal areas.

In a release issued today, it was advised that “heavy and continuous rainfall with thundershowers is anticipated over Guyana due to a large area of convection originating from the broad low-pressure system situated in the Atlantic, which is East-Northeast of the country.”

These forecasted conditions will likely lead to flooding in low lying areas and possible landslides over hilly areas.

CDC Director-General, Lt. Col Kester Craig in an invited comment assured that the commission has been continuously monitoring for potential hazards across Guyana.

“We have been monitoring the weather system through close collaboration with the Maritime Administration Department to understand the level of tides,” he said

Craig further noted that the information gathered is then used to issue advisories promptly to ensure citizens are well prepared in the event of a flood.

He explained that this is done through the National Emergency Operations Centre (NECO) -a 24-hour system which monitors social media platforms and has a hotline where hazards can be reported.

The CDC Director also noted that over the years, the commission has ensured that a response system has been established in each region, to ensure each area is prepared in the event of a disaster.

“Our response mechanism entails the community responding, the Regional Democratic Council and the Neighborhood Democratic Council responding. However, when they cannot cope with the situation, the CDC lends their assistance.’

Citizens are always urged to be aware of the weather and take the necessary precautions. Residents in high-risk areas are asked to take the following safeguards:

• Place sandbags where needed.
• Unplug all electrical items which may come into contact with floodwaters.
• Elevate all household furniture and appliances situated on the ground floor.
• Relocate livestock to higher ground.
• Use purification tablet as prescribed.
• Ensure children and the elderly stay clear of floodwaters.

To report flooding in your community, call the 24-hour National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 623-1700, 600-7500, or 226-1114.