Ministerial task force formed to respond to flooding

HEAVY rain over the past few hours has resulted in flooding across Georgetown and other areas, but Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, has assured the nation that there is no reason for major alarm, as Government is addressing the issue with expediency.

“There is no reason for major alarm. We do have some flooding and we regret that we are still being troubled by flooding, but we are doing everything possible to alleviate the inconvenience and suffering being experienced,” said Minister Edghill, in virtual update on the situation, on Wednesday.
The minister said that all engineers from his ministry were dispatched to conduct a full assessment of the situation, and to ensure that everything is done to get water off the land.

Minister Edghill said, from what he observed on Wednesday, all engineers were assembled at critical points in the City, checking to ensure there was a proper flow of water, no blockages and to identify where interventions were required.

The full response effort is being coordinated by a special ministerial task force which comprises the Ministries of Local Government and Agriculture.
“We have taken a proactive approach all through the morning and afternoon… any interventions will be provided… Members of the private sector have called to give assistance, so they are available and that speaks well for Guyana,” said Minister Edghill.
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) was also deployed across Georgetown to accurately capture the impact of the weather on public and private infrastructure.

The National Weather Watch Centre has reported that frequent to continuous rain, showers and thundershowers are expected across all regions of Guyana, with the northern parts of the country experiencing more severe weather.

Citizens were advised that above-normal high tides and high waves may cause overtopping of the river and sea defence which may cause flooding, and, as such, the flood and high tides advisory is still in effect. This forecast is predicted to last until November 08, 2020.
Over the last 24 hours, the country has experienced approximately five inches of rainfall. The drainage capacity caters for two inches of water; hence, the severity of flooding.

To this end, the CDC is advising residents of riverain, low-lying and flood-prone areas to take all necessary precaution and to contact the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 226-1114, 623-1700 and 600-7500, should they be affected.