Over 3,000 affected by Region Eight floods -CDC
-56 homes washed away
Recent flashfloods have affected over 3,000 residents of Region Eight, where 266 farms and 56 houses were destroyed, the acting head of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) announced yesterday.
“As we speak the water is receding; it is just the water in the Ireng River that remains high as a result of rainfall on Sunday and Monday,” Deputy Director of the CDC Major Kester Craig told a news conference yesterday, before making it clear that the river has not crested its banks as has been the case last week.
In the wake of excessive rainfall in the highland regions beginning last Wednesday, coupled with the cresting of the Ireng River, Kaibarupai, Waipa, Chenapau, Sand Hill Settlement, Itabac and Kanapang in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), and Paruima, Kako, Jawalla, Phillipai, Kamarang and Quebanang in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) have been hit by flooding. The CDC has since extended its reach to several other communities in both Regions after receiving additional reports of flooding in other areas.
Craig yesterday explained that while data collected reveal that 3,274 residents in Region Eight have been affected, assessments continue to be carried out to assess the severity of the situation in Region Seven.
He said several residents in Kaibarupai were forced to evacuate and construct temporary shelter on higher ground. The Kaibarupai Health Post is flooded, while a school at Itabac has shifted and become unstable.
The school at Kanapang, he added, is also reportedly being used as temporary shelter.
Additionally, it was reported that the cassava crops planted by farmers have started to wilt, resulting in residents being advised to reap now to avoid a complete loss.
Stabroek News understands that a team of engineers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has since been dispatched to conduct an assessment of roads and buildings affected and to formulate a plan to reconstruct the affected buildings.
Describing the relief response as one that garnered the support of many governmental and non-governmental agencies, Craig said the Guyana Water Incorporated will be sending in a team today to Orinduik and Kamarang to conduct water quality assessments and ensure that there is a water purification set up in every community.
The Ministry of Public Health is also expected to deploy additional personnel to provide medical supplies and assistance to other flood affected areas.
It was noted that the Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe, who remains in Region Eight, has been able to visit all but two of the affected villages.
The ministry has since deployed its Principal Regional Development Officer Anil Roberts and Logistical and Communications expert Ovid Williams to lend support to the flood relief operations.
Commenting on the health situation in the region, Craig reiterated that although there were reported cases of diarrhoea in Chenapau, there have been no new cases or outbreak of any kind in the other villages.
‘Under control’
In terms of the impact on residents in Region Seven, reports received are that houses in Kako were flooded, resulting in 17 persons being displaced. They have, however, since returned. At Jawalla,
several houses were displaced, preventing approximately eight families from accessing their homes.
Meanwhile, all farms at Kako were affected as the water level there was recorded to be between six and 15 feet. Additionally, 80 farms have reportedly been affected in Quebanang and there are reports of increased mosquitos in the area.
Craig also said the CDC has received reports of flooding in Kamarang, Warawatta and Waramadong and the joint team in the region is conducting a damage assessment and needs analysis in this area. He further noted that no new information has been received on the height and impact of the flood in the Imbaimadai, Phillipai, Amokokopi, Quebanang and Paruima communities.
Nonetheless, Craig said the situation in Region Seven is under control with the help of the regional administration, which has officers who are trained in Disaster Risk Management. He also offered praise to the Region Seven Regional Disaster Risk Management System (RDRMS) and Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee (RDRMC), which C to deploy staff im affected areas to do
“They have also medical and clea Kamarang and will b reconnaissance via d better assessing the since prepared 80 h be taken into Regio today,” he said.
It was noted tha learning of the seve last Wednesday, ha 327 relief food ham plies to the affected has seen the CDC $7.2 million as of M
The breakdown includes $4.1M in h in flights. He said th not include those f done by the GDF, is as the CDC was pr be dispatched to Re
Craig further not the donations from including corporate being calculated.
Asked to give his