CDC continues to assess flood affected Reg. 5 villages
DPI, Guyana, Monday, September 30, 2019
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) continues to assess areas within Region 5, Mahaica-Berbice where an estimated 20 cash crop and livestock farmers are affected by floods as a result of above-normal high tides. Rice-cultivated plots were also inundated.
The team, led by CDC’s Senior Response Officer, Captain Salim October, visited and distributed water, and cleaning detergents to assist residents in returning their homes to normalcy. The areas visited were High Dam, Danzic, Glaziers Lust and Prospect. This is being done in collaboration with the regional administration.
CDC visited the home of Anika Bissoon, who is among several persons whose homes are still underwater in High Dam. Bssoon related to the Department of Public Information (DPI) that she was home when the water started to enter her house on Saturday morning.
“I woke up about 6 that morning and water started to enter the back of the house and in split seconds the water entered the entire house so I couldn’t get to move a lot of stuff. Presently, I have some of my stuff at my neighbours but the beds and cupboard still under the water.”
The emotional Bissoon is, however, thankful for the support she has been receiving from the CDC and the region and said she will take all the necessary precautions to avoid any further misfortune.
Livestock farmer, Levorn McGarrel was forced to relocate his cattle to high land following the floods. Thus far, he cannot account for about 30 heads of cattle. He is currently awaiting assistance following a visit from Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) representatives.
According to October, apart from the hightide that is usually expected during this time of the year, based on information received, some other factors that contributed to the unprecedented flooding in that particular area. “… because those structures have failed, the water buildup has been much more rapid and much more intensive and as result, it has compromised several cash crop farms, livestock activities as well as a number of households.”
Captain October said that the CDC will continue to monitor the area and ensure residents receive the necessary sanitary supplies. This is particularly important because disease transmission can be heightened if adequate precautions are not taken, October said.
He noted, based on observation, that persons did not heed to warnings that the CDC provided before the floods, because, “… It was only when the water started to enter their homes and flood their farmlands they became alarmed… So, sometimes we can reduce the impact and risk if we take very little steps in [our] own homes.”
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) have provided excavators to widen channels to alleviate some of the floodwaters. The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary (MMA) are also assisting farmers.
October advised that the above-normal high tide remains in effect until Wednesday. Persons are urged to take necessary precautions.