Hundreds of Region Seven farms destroyed by flooding – CDC

-homes, roads ruined in Region Eight

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) yesterday said that it had dispatched additional supplies for distribution to floodaffected residents in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) communities.

The CDC team dispatched a total of 800 Food and Cleaning Hampers, 200 pairs of Long Boots, 2 Drums of Gasoline (45 gal), 500 Mosquito Nets, 10 Tarpaulins and a quantity of Face Masks and Water Purification Tablets.

This followed an extensive assessment of the affected areas recently, the CDC said in a release yesterday.

In Waramadong, over 200 farms have been impacted, five houses are flooded and residents have been relocated to higher ground. Residents said that there is a shortage of cleaning supplies, medicine and chlorine tablets. In Jawalla, over 150 farms and over 60 households have been affected, with seven families being relocated to safer living quarters. One house was reported to have collapsed due to the floodwaters. Quebanang, another village in the Region, has a total of 86 affected households, the CDC said. Additionally, five government buildings are inundated. In Kako, 120 farms and 12 houses have been flooded. Residents who are concerned about water-borne diseases have requested mosquito nets, rain boots and water tanks.

An assessment of Chinoweng and Wax Creek found that 132 farms and 98 farms, respectively, were destroyed by floodwaters, the CDC said. However, no family was required to be relocated. In Abbou, a small mining community in the Region, three houses were flooded but no residents had to be relocated. In other mining areas such as Imbaimadai, Ominik and Kambora, at least 20 mining camps have been flooded, forcing miners to move to higher ground, the CDC said. Several pieces of equipment were damaged and fuel and rations destroyed in floodwaters. Additionally, 11 homes were flooded while farming communities suffered major losses. In Kamarang, 15 households were flooded with 71 farms destroyed. Institutions including schools, churches and multi-purpose halls have been identified as possible shelters should the need arise, the CDC said.

Region Eight

Meanwhile, in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), an assessment conducted by the CDC in Sub-District 2, Mahdia found that several homes, farms, roads and mining equipment have been destroyed by flood waters.

Tumatumari Hill Foot to Two Miles is flooded, making it difficult for vehicles to traverse, the CDC said in a separate release. Food prices have risen due to shortages and access to drinking water is a concern, with water harvesting being a challenge in hard-to-reach communities.

In Tumatumari, five households with a total of 21 persons were evacuated to the homes of relatives who reside on higher ground. The team also assessed the flood impact at El Passo which is home to approximately 35 families (160 persons). Five households (16 persons) which are located on the water front were severely impacted by floodwater which rose to about 15 feet. This resulted in contamination of drinking water, damage to food, household items, boats and engines among other things, the CDC said. As a result, families relocated to higher ground. Those who reside on the hills experienced flash floods, but water has since receded.

Among the immediate needs of the affected households are food and cleaning hampers, drinking water, water tanks, life jackets, mattresses and kerosene.

During a meeting between the CDC, RDC and Mines Commission to discuss the impact of the flood on mining operations, it was noted that affected miners in the Mining District from Potaro Mouth to Kuribrong and Kaiteur had moved to Mahdia.

Approximately 360 mining operations in Sub-District 2 at Mabura, Konawaruk, Mahdia, Issano and Miniaha Landing have been affected as a result of flooding.

CDC’s Preparedness and Response Manager, Major Salim October said the team discovered that the bridges at Mowasi Landing and White Water have been washed away while others have been damaged.

Major October said there is evidence that some mining camps were abandoned and the assessment team was told that equipment is submerged in flood waters.

Some miners who remained in the area were in the process of pumping water from the land in preparation to recommence operation as early as today.

Among the request from miners are cleaning supplies, treated mosquito nets, face masks and malaria medication. The Ministry of Health has embarked on a mission to deliver Covid-19 vaccines, malaria tests and treated mosquito nets to miners.

Information reaching the team indicated that areas of concern include Paramakatoi which has approximately 10 families and Mountain Foot which has approximately 140 residents. Reports are that the trail between Paramakatoi to Kato is impassable.