Reg. 2 gets flood relief

– CDC distributes supplies to flood affected areas

– officials assessing threat, damage and solutions

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Cash crop farmer Nolan Connelly is one of the persons affected by Sunday’s spring tide which caused flash flooding in several areas along the Essequibo Coast. In response, the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) took quick action to bring relief to flood-affected areas.

Along with Connelly, residents of Cullen, Pamoma, Abrams Zuil, Riverston, Adventure and Perseverance were also affected in varying degrees. Connelly owns five acres of land and was pleased to have received some level of assistance from the CDC in such a timely manner. “I didn’t expect it but I am really grateful,” Connelly said.

Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikaran.

Lieutenant Lakshman Persaud, Operations Officer donating supplies to affected resident.

CDC Officials with a resident of Abrams Zuil Housing Scheme.

Nolan Connelly, a farmer from Perseverance.

Distributing bottled water, chlorine tablets for water purification along with cleaning supplies, the CDC assessed at-risk areas as well as affected areas.

These areas recorded minimal impact from the spring tide. The waters have since receded because of the recently enhanced drainage network along the Essequibo Coast.

Along with the present Sea and River Defence maintained by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, many residents also constructed semi-permanent defence and drainage structures to allow for greater water runoff.

Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikaran told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that systems were put in place to bring relief to affected persons.  The REO added that regular clearing of canals and drainage networks undertaken by the Regional Administration has helped to bring faster relief to residents.

Kunti Kissoon, who has lived in the Abrams Zuil Housing Scheme for 20 years, explained that she created an earthen sand dam and a drain to help the water to recede faster. Although the water was present in her yard, it kept water out of her home.

Other neighbourhoods along the coast of Regions 3, 4, 5 and 6 have been affected by the recent spring tide between September 28 and October 1.

The spring tide will end on Wednesday, October 2.