CDC, national counterparts aiding spring tide situation

─ Reg. 3 residents receive flood relief

─ more communities being assessed

 DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is actively engaging national agencies to alleviate and address the concerns of residents in flood-affected communities.

Senior Response Officer of CDC, Captain Salim October, speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), earlier on Tuesday, explained that the commission also believes that additional awareness initiatives and more interface with residents, provide better chances to withstand the shock and effects of other ensuing high tides.

The Captain was heading a massive team which was at the time engaged in a response operation at several communities in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region. Those areas identified were recently affected by the unusually high tides which were forecasted from October 25 to 30.

As the operation commenced at Uitvlugt, over 100 households were assisted with cleaning hampers, to help return their homes to normalcy. The activity was also carried out to ensure residents’ concerns are being addressed, with much emphasis being placed on their safety.

Captain October said the CDC is concerned with the unprecedented level of the current spring tides; adding that one of the roles of the agency is to sensitise citizens of some of the precautions, which they can implement to cushion the effect and impact of the tides.

Since the predicted period is not yet over, the Response Officer maintained his call for residents to heed to all protective measures which were highlighted. Among those are moving livestock to higher ground, elevating all furniture and other valuable household items to heights which will effectively allow for water to pass without causing significant damage. Seniors citizens and children are also advised to stay away from the floodwaters and to cover any pit latrines to ensure that disease transmission is minimised.

Captain October made it clear that this round of spring tides was not as devasting compared to the one experienced earlier in the month – a result, he explained, stemming from the continued partnership with several government agencies and ministries.

“I think because we have interacted with the communities alongside a number of other partners such as the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, Regional Democratic Councils, GLDA and other institutions, this particular spring tide was not as disturbing as earlier in the month,” the Captain noted.

Another section of the region will receive relief supplies and counselling on Wednesday, October 30.

In the meantime, the high tide warning and advisories remain in effect.