EVENT:
As a result of heavy and continuous rainfall over the last 48 hours, several areas in all ten (10) Regions of Guyana were reported to be flooded. The water level in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) continues to rise as follows:

PROGNOSIS:
The Hydrometrological Services predicted generally cloudy to overcast conditions and occasional showers can be expected over all the regions in Guyana. Isolated thunderstorm can be expected over some coastal and near inland areas (regions 2 to 6 and 10). Flash floods can be expected in flood prone areas of regions 2 to 6 and 10 as a result of the heavy rainfall. Rainfall is expected to be between 0.1mm and 30.0mm today, May 08, 2012.

IMPACT

Total loss and the total number of persons affected to date are yet to be determined.

AREAS AFFECTED

Region 1 - BARIMA-WAINI
The Regional Executive Officer advised that there were no reports of flooding in this region except for Barabina Village as a result of high tide. It was reported that the seawater inundated the village approximately 300 to 400 meters inland and about 3 to 4 feet high.

Region 2 - POMEROON-SUPENAAM
There were no reports from this region.

Region 3 - ESSEQUIBO ISLANDS-WEST DEMERARA
The Regional Development Officer reported there was no flooding in this region.

The water level in the conservancy was considered critical at 61.40 GD. Engineers were deployed to Stanleytown to rectify the breached sea defence. The breach is anticipated to be repaired by tomorrow May 9, 2012. Additionally, there were reports of another breach at Cane Garden in Leguan Island and the Assistant Regional Executive Officer was deployed to conduct an assessment.

Region 4 - DEMERARA-MAHAICA
There were no reports from this region.

Region 5 - MAHAICA-BERBICE
There were no reports of flooding in this region, however, water level in the Abary, Mahaicony and Mahaica Rivers continues to rise. It was reported that the water level in the Mahaicony River has risen 8 inches since the last report .The Ministry of Agriculture deployed a machine to Mahaicony River to conduct remedial work.

Region 6 - EAST BERBICE-CORENTYNE
The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of this region reported flooding in the residential and cultivated areas in New Amsterdam –Vryman’s Ervin East, Queenstown and Stanleytown, No.  2 Village, Palmyra, Adelphi, Kendalls, Warren, Don Robin, Bohemia, Susannah, No.7 and 11 Villages,  Fryish, Kilcoy, Chesney, Nigg, Belvidere,  Miss Phoebe, Tain, Clifton, Ankerville, Bloomfield, Letter Kenny, Auchlyne, Whim. Lancaster, Liverpool, Manchester, Ulverston, Alness, Bush Lot, Limlair, Friendship,Nurney,Kildonan, Adventure, Black Bush Polder, Johanna, Yakusari, Maida, Kilmarnock, Philippi, Cromarty, Wellington Park, Tarlogie, Neville, Brighton, Kiltain, No. 43 Village, Haversham, Epsom, Dingwall, Java,  Bengal, Joppa, No. 44, 45, 46, 47, 48,  49,  50, and 51 Villages, Ross Hall and East Springlands. However the water is receding in these areas.

The RDC reported that the pump at the Ordnance-Fortlands NDC is unserviceable. It was also reported that the sluice at Liverpool remains silted and Kilmarnock sluice is still being repaired.

Region 7 - CUYUNI- MAZARUNI
The Regional Executive Officer advised that there were no reports of flooding in this region. The Beach View Nursery school which was closed as a result of the flooding has now reopened.

Region 8 - POTARO-SIPARUNI
Regional Executive Officer reported flooding in Itadac, Tusening, Kapinang, Monkey Mountain and Chen Apou where seven (7) houses are inundated in this region. No report on the intensity is available.

Region 9 - UPPER TAKUTU-UPPER ESSEQUIBO
The Regional Executive Officer reported that heavy rainfall in the Deep South caused the Rupununi River to continue to overflow its bank resulting in flooding of the flatlands and savannahs. Further, it was reported that in Central Lethem the water level on the land continues to rise despite no rainfall over the last 48 hours. The two (2) bridges and the access roads to Karasabai remain flooded and impassable to vehicles.  The water level in the Takutu and Ireng Rivers continues to rise. It was also reported that as a result of the flood the walls of two (2) houses in Sand Creek collapsed and in Shea Village the farms are inundated.

Region 10- UPPER DEMERARA-BERBICE
There were no reports of flooding in this region. However, the Berbice River began to crest its banks in the vicinity of Kwakwani. Further, it was reported that as a result of high tides, Kara Kara and Christianburg backlands were also flooded.

PUBLIC BUILDING UPDATES

Schools

Beach View Nursery School has being reopened today, May 8, 2012.

ACTIONS BY THE CIVIL DEFENCE COMMISSION

The Commission continues to monitor and assess the vulnerable communities and conservancies which are usually affected by the heavy rains.

ACTION BY OTHER ORGANISATIONS

Ministry of Health
Nothing to report

Ministry of Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture is conducting assessment of affected areas and representatives from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority continue to monitor the pumps, sluices and conservancies in all the affected regions.

Guysuco
Nothing to report

NEEDS
The Commission has identified the following immediate needs:

• Damage Assessments to be conducted to identify and quantify the extent of the flooding in the regions
• Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping of all the affected communities to determine the water level and to assist in decision making.

NATIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE (NEOC)

Contact Information
Civil Defence Commission,
Thomas Road, Thomas Lands,
Georgetown.
Telephone #: (592) 226-1114, 226-8815, 226-1027 or 225-5847
24 Hours #: (592) 600-3000
FAX: (592) 225-0486
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.