Weather Advisory: Heavy rainfall expected over next 3 days

By Editor

DPI, Guyana, Friday, May 24, 2019

Residents in low-lying and flood prone areas are asked to take the necessary precautions as over the next three days as light-to-moderate showers, and possible thunderstorms with mostly cloudy skies are to be expected over Regions 1 to 4 and parts of Regions 7 and 9.

According to the Hydrometeorological Office, rainfall will be between zero and 45 millimetres.

The office has warned that the heavy rainfall may cause flooding in the flood-prone areas and mudslides in the hilly regions.

Areas that are expected to have heavy amounts of precipitation include: –
– Mabaruma, Wauna White Water, Kumaka all in Region 1
– Fort Island in Region 3
– GrassHook, Bush Lot, Abary, Abary Lass in Region 5
– Albion in Region 6
– Imbaimadai, Mahdia in Region 8
– Kwatamang in Region 9
– Wismar, West Watooka, 58 Miles Mabura Road, Ituni and Great Falls all in Region 10.

On May 26, Independence Day, there will be the least amount of rainfall for the three days. It is expected that along with light-to-moderate showers and partly cloudy skies; rainfall will be between zero and fifteen millimetres.

Over the past few days, most of the country has experienced heavy rainfall, however, the desilting of trenches and canals by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure along with community effort, particularly within Region 4 and Georgetown, has ensured that flooding has been kept at a minimum.

Earlier today, a team from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) visited the Mahdia township to bring relief and support to areas affected by flash floods.

 

Below are some General Flood Precautions from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC)

• Remain calm and take all necessary precautions.
• Make sure you have a battery-operated radio with extra batteries.

Follow all instructions. If told to evacuate, move out of the house or building to safe, high ground.

• Turn off all utilities at main switch if evacuation is necessary. Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area or you are standing on a piece of dry wood with rubber footwear and gloves.
• Remove all valuables. Wrap important personal items, family documents, electrical appliances, pictures and wall hangings, in plastic bags.
• Avoid already flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross any stretch of floodwaters on foot if the water is above your knees.
• Cars can become coffins in floods. DO NOT drive where water covers the road since under these floodwaters the road could already be washed away. Also, rapidly rising water could lift the car and carry it away.
• Do not go sightseeing in flooded areas.
• If caught in a house by suddenly rising water, move to the second floor and, if necessary, to the roof. Take warm clothing and a flashlight with you – as well as a battery-operated radio. Wait for help.
• Use only recommended routes if you must travel.

After the Flood

• Listen to the radio for instructions.
• When returning home and before you enter the house, be sure that the structure is not in danger of collapsing:
• Move about the building slowly.
• Do not touch electrical appliances or fixtures.
• Open windows and doors to let air circulate. This will help remove foul odours and protect you from escaping gas. It will also help to dry out the house.
• Take pictures of damage both to the house and its contents for insurance purposes.
• Get in touch with your insurance company – if your house was insured.
• Begin to clean up as soon as possible. Throw out any perishable foods since they may be contaminated.
• You may need to hose down furniture if mud is lodged on it.
• Shovel out mud while it is still moist. Dry rugs and carpets thoroughly.
• Make necessary repairs to stop further losses from the elements or from looting.
• Boil and store drinking water.
• Keep garbage tightly sealed.
• Cover and protect food.
• Prevent mosquito breeding by punching holes in all containers in which water can settle.
• Keep waste tightly sealed.
• Do not walk barefooted outside, during or after a flood. Wear water-resistant boots or shoes.
• Do not go sightseeing in flooded areas.
• Do not touch loose or dangling electrical wires.
• Exercise caution when crossing bridges and passes that are near to rivers and streams. Use only recommended routes.
• Bury all dead animals as soon as possible.
• Do not go swimming in floodwaters.
• Follow evacuation orders carefully.