SUBJECT: Flooding in several regions in Guyana
EVENTS:
The heavy rainfall that commenced on January 28, 2012 resulted in flooding in several communities in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. These communities are located on the Coastal Plain and along the Abary, Mahaica, Mahaicony Rivers, Pomeroon, Black Bush Polder and Canal Polders. Light to moderate showers are being experienced and water is receding in most of the areas.
The water in East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) reached its critical level and water is being released periodically during the low tides into the Mahaica River through the Maduni Sluice. The release of water in the Mahaica River is exacerbating the flooding already experienced by the communities along the Mahaica and Mahaicony Rivers.
PROGNOSIS:
It was forecasted by the Hydrometeorological Department of the Ministry of Agriculture that cloudy to overcast skies are expected over all regions with expected rainfall to be between 0.0mm and 10.0mm.
The forecast for the rest of the week is as follows, Thursday, partly cloudy conditions with light to moderate isolated showers expected over Regions 1 to 6, southern locations can expect cloudy spells. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, cloudy spells with occasional showers can be expected over Regions 2 to 6 and 10, the other regions can expect mainly cloudy spells.
With the continued release of water into the Mahaica River through the Maduni Sluice, the flooding of communities along the Mahaica and Mahaicony Rivers will get worst. This worsening situation is going to warrant the need for humanitarian assistance for the residents that are affected.
IMPACT
Total loss and the total number of persons affected to date, are yet to be determined.