Message: Severe flooding affects Coastal Regions of Guyana.

1. EVENT: The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) of Guyana has reported that heavy rainfall along Guyana’s coastal regions during the period of Wednesday July 15th and Thursday July 16th, 2015 has resulted in increase water levels in rivers and canals. Region #4 is experiencing flooding in most communities in central Georgetown, and some areas of the East Coast, and there are also some reports of flooding in Regions #2, #3, #5 and #6.

According to CDC reports, rainfall records over the 24 hour period , measured at 08:00 hrs July 16, 2015 indicated that the highest rainfall of 266.3 mm was recorded at Ogle in Region 4.
The Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, has authorized the activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC).

2. PROGNOSIS: The Hydrometeorological Services indicate that this rainfall activity is due to the passage of a Tropical Wave which is interacting with the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) over Guyana. The forecast for Friday, July 17 indicate that overcast skies will continue throughout Guyana during the morning with light to moderate showers and possible thunderstorms in some areas over the coastal becoming partly sunny in the afternoon with a few light showers. Some areas of regions 4 and 10 may experience outbursts of thunder during the afternoon. All other locations will see partly cloudy to cloudy skies with a few passing showers. Rainfall is expected between 15.0 mm to 30.0 mm within coastal areas and between 0.0 mm to 15.0 mm in other locations.

3. IMPACT: The CDC Situation Report #3 issued at 17.30hours on Thursday July 16, 2015 stated that the total losses and the total number of persons affected by the flooding are yet to be determined. The impact to specific areas were provided and these are detailed below

3.1 AREAS AFFECTED

3.1.1 REGION 3 - ESSEQUIBO ISLANDS - WEST DEMERARA

There have been reports of flooding in this region due to heavy rainfall over the periods of Wednesday July 15th to Thursday July 16th, 2015. Water levels at the West Demerara are high, approaching critical level in some areas. Water is being released at Bonasiki and Naamyrck Sluices.

TThe National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) reported (at 1500hours) that La Jelousie and Vergenogen sluices are inoperable and the outfall is blocked. Zeelugt main canals are blocked. One of two pumps at Stanleytown was also reportedly down; approximately 2,500 persons is the affected population in this community. Loss of livestock has been reported.

Blankenburg pump is blocked but the area is drained through the Phillidelphia canal.

Aerial assessment indicated that the most affected areas are Parfaite Harmonie, Haag (mainly farmlands) and Canal No 1 (back of the yards and all farmlands). Water remains high in Canals #1 and #2, where cash crops are under water. Residential areas in Uitvlugt and rice crops in La Jelousie-Windsor Forest area are affected. Belle Vue and Meten-Meer-Zorg west are inundated.

Electrical problems have been reported at the Windsor Forest pump.

3.1.2 REGION 4 - DEMERARA-MAHAICA
There have been reports of flooding in central Georgetown and communities on the East Coast of Demerara. The entire lower East Coast from Buxton to Ogle has been observed with water on both sides of the road.

The worst affected areas are Buxton, Better Hope, Success, Industry, Turkeyen, Cummings Lodge, Atlanticville, Sophia, Bel Air, Subryanville, North and South Ruimveldt.

The Paradise pump was observed to be inoperable at the time of assessment. Outfall at Hope was not fully cleared. There was releasing of water at the back of Hope from the Conservancy.

An excavator was observed conducting works behind the Buxton at the Conservancy. Good Hope Canal was observably high.

The Guyana Power and Lights reported disruptions in 24 areas due to the flooding; however as at 1700hours only 3 areas remained affected: North East La Penitence, Treemont Street, La Penitence, and Garnette Street, Albouystown.

The University of Guyana campus is flooded, and all examinations have been cancelled (with the exception of the Law Faculty).

3.1.3 REGION 5 - MAHAICA-BERBICE
The region indicated that the water levels in the trenches are high. There is no report of flooding on the roadways or yards. The Region deployed a team to clear the trenches.

3.1.4 REGION 6 - EAST BERBICE - CORENTYNE
The RDC of the Region reported that they have experienced flooding in the residential areas of New Amsterdam (Pitt Street, Vryman’s Erven, Strand), Stanleytown and Liverpool. There are also reports of flooding in the low canals and cultivating areas of Ulverston, Manchester, Potland and No. 1 Village. Flood waters are expected to recede with the tide.

4. PUBLIC BUILDING UPDATES
The impact (level of damage) to public buildings throughout the affected areas is still to be determined.

5. ACTIONS BY THE CIVIL DEFENCE COMMISSION:
The NEOC has been activated and damage assessments and data gathering exercises are being conducted The Commission has conducted an aerial survey to further assess damages in Region #3 and #4, as well as a ground survey of outfalls and pumps. The Commission continues to monitor and assess the vulnerable communities and conservancies which are usually affected by the heavy rains.

6. ACTION BY OTHER ORGANISATIONS:
Various government agencies have deployed representatives to the NEOC while others are conducting sector specific assessments in the affected areas.

6.1 Guyana Power and Light - Teams are currently working to restore power to the 3 areas that remain affected.

6.2 Guyana Water Incorporated - No reports of compromising of the water supply system have yet been received. Personnel are currently conducting assessments at several water supply facilities.

6.3 Ministry of Public Health - Has shared information with the Civil Defence Commission which has been used in the preparation of an advisory for dissemination.

6.4 Ministry of Public Infrastructure - Has shared information with the Civil Defence Commission which has been used in the preparation of an advisory for dissemination.

6.5 Guyana Police Force - Has shared information with the Civil Defence Commission which has been used in the preparation of an advisory for dissemination.

6.6 Environmental Protection Agency - Has shared information with the Civil Defence Commission which has been used in the preparation of an advisory for dissemination.

6.7 Ministry of Agriculture - Has shared information with the Civil Defence Commission which has been used in the preparation of an advisory for dissemination.

7. IMMEDIATE NEEDS
The details of the immediate needs of the affected communities have not been determined, however, drinking water and supplies of perishable and non-perishable items may be among the items required for deployment to the affected communities.

8. ACTIONS TAKEN BY CDEMA
The CDEMA Coordinating Unit contacted the CDC and received a briefing on the situation.

Response support has not been requested at this time

CDEMA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

The CDEMA CU 24hr contact number is 246 434-4880