Flood relief shelters established at Uitvlugt and Stewartville
DPI, Guyana, Friday, March, 02, 2018
Two temporary relief centres have been established at the Uitvlugt Estate Community Centre and the Uitvlugt Secondary School to house the residents affected by the flooding on the West Coast of Demerara in Region Three.
Water toppling the West Demerara seewall.
These shelters, set up by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), after high tides over topped sections of the West Demerara seawall today, inundatingthe communities of Leonora, Stewartville and Uitvlugt, will provide housing and meals to those affected, according to Deputy Director General of the CDC, LieutenantColonel Kester Craig. Hot meals will be provided from this evening and until Monday, March 5, 2018.
The CDC has deployed 100 camp cots, 100 blankets, 100 pillows, and cooking utensils to be distributed between the two (2) shelters. The Commission is also preparing sanitation/cleaning hampers for subsequent distribution.
The flood affected areas were visited by Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge who is acting in the capacity of Prime Minister and Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, this afternoon, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings and from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson, earlier in the day.
Minister Bulkan explained that the first-hand assessments done by himself, and the other government ministers, are to ensure the situation is addressed as quickly as possible. The Communities Minister is advising residents to remain alert and cautious as the government addresses the situation at hand.
Residents are also being advised to stay out of the water and to move their belonging to higher ground as more high tides are expected tomorrow, Saturday March 3, 2018, Sunday March 4, and Monday March 5.
Due to flooding experienced, the Leonora Cottage Hospital has been temporarily closed and the health centres at Den Amstel, Uitvlugt Community Centre and De Kindren are being used to address medical emergencies. The Health Centres at Den Amstel and Uitvlugt will be operating on a 24 -hour basis.
Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carkl Greenidge being briefed at Stewartville.
Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan being briefed by residents affected by high waters.
High tide this afternoon at 5 pm, its highest peak for the day.
High tide at Uitvlugt koker this afternoon.
A house at Uitvlugt flooded.
Sandbags placed at the door of the Lenora Cottage Hospital, which is to be closed for the next three days.
By: ZanneelWillaims