As
of mid January, Guyana started to experience torrential showers
which forecasters predict will continue for at least another
12 days. While the situation is not as grave as last year, there
is still cause for concern. The most affected regions are the
coastal areas of Pomeroon, Mahaica, Michoney and Abbary. Additionally,
the rains in the highlands have caused the East Coast water
conservancy dam to fill up and this is posing a big threat to
the country. The west coast of Demerara has also reported some
flooding in a number of communities. In the capital, Georgetown,
there are reports of flooding in sections of Queenstown and
Sophia as well of high waters within low-lying areas of Sophia,
Bourda and Queenstown.
The Guyana Red Cross (GRC) estimates that over 35,000 people
have been affected by this year’s flooding. The GRC is
currently focusing its attention on Regions 1 and 5 which have
been the most affected. So far the National Society has distributed
80 food hampers, 100 mosquito nets, 32 hygiene kits and a small
amount of tarpaulins.
Mrs Dorothy Fraser, GRC director general said: “The situation
is quite bad overall and we are using all our resources in our
efforts. Currently we are concentrating on assisting families
in temporary shelters.”
There is also concern regarding the longer-term effects of the
flooding on the people in the worst affected areas, and in particular,
on subsistence farmers. The most serious threat is the potential
loss of thousands of acres of rice crops if the water does not
subside rapidly. Outbreaks of leptospirosis have been reported
and as a result the Ministry of health is taking preventative
measures in the worst affected areas.
Mrs Fraser said the GRC is urgently seeking both local funds
and donations of hygienic items such as bath soap, soap powder,
toothbrushes and toothpaste, sanitary napkins, shampoo, toilet
paper and diapers for children and adults. The International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is on standby
to deliver any resources that may be needed by the GRC. Thomas
Doyle a delegate from the Pan-America Disaster Response Unit
is in Guyana conducting assessments and gave an update;
“We are also distributing mosquito nets, blankets and
health awareness materials. Some people are stranded in their
homes and cannot make it to shelters. But we will try to our
best to reach everyone.”
Mrs Fraser added that the immediate needs include blankets,
stoves and hygiene items which are currently being purchased
with local funding. Long term needs may include agricultural
seeds and tools.
Flooding is becoming a regular hazard. In 2005, three days of
torrential rains which began on January 14th caused serious
flooding in Guyana, affecting more than 150,000. This was the
third time since late December 2004 that rains had caused flooding
in the country’s capital in Georgetown and other coastal
towns.
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