GUYANA’s coastline was expected to again experience exceptional spring tide from yesterday through to March 24, based on a forecast for 2015.

The Ministry of Public Works explained that notable high tides, in excess of 3.30m (referenced to chart datum) are expected to occur along the oceanic coast and tidal rivers during March 20 to 22, with the highest tide of 3.35m expected to occur on Saturday, March 21at 4:27am.
Explaining the reason behind the increase in high tide, the ministry noted that the augmentation of high tides during this period has been attributed to the coincided alignment of the earth, moon and sun during the March 21 Spring Equinox, resulting in increased gravitational pull. This phenomenon, they noted, will coincide with a solar eclipse which will be visible in Europe, Northern and Eastern Asia and Northern and Western Africa.
The Ministry of Public Works through its Sea Defence Unit has intensified its public notification, monitoring and flood prevention activities in preparation for possible occurrences of flooding due to overtopping or structural compromise of sea and river defences.
Previous occurrences of extreme spring tides, coupled with high energy waves and strong ocean currents have resulted in varying levels of flooding along Guyana’s coast due to overtopping of flood protection structures.
Residents of vulnerable low lying coastal and riverain communities are therefore advised to be on the alert and take necessary precautions to prevent damage to property or personal injury in the event that flooding occurs.
The following coastal villages are particularly susceptible to possible flooding as a result of storm surges which may induce overtopping of sea/river defence structures: Johanna Cecelia, Cullen/Perseverance, Dunkeld, Westbury – Essequibo Coast; Zeelandia/Moor Farm, Marionville/Bendorff, Good Success/San Sousi, Melville/Sarah – Wakenaam Island; Cane Garden, Cane Field/Amsterdam, Blenheim/Endeavour – Leguan Island; Parika, Look Out/ Grove, Salem/Sparta, East Bank Essequibo; La Retraite – West Bank Demerara, Rotterdam/Crane, Anna Catherina to Leonora, West Coast Demerara; along Water Street, Georgetown, Kingston; Georgetown to Ogle – East Coast Demerara, Mosquito Hall/Unity and along the Mahaica River Banks; No. 74 to 76 Villages, Bush Lot/Maida, Corentyne and along the Banks of the Berbice and Canje Rivers.
The Ministry advises that persons residing in these areas should exercise a heightened level of vigilance.

‘Residents of vulnerable low lying coastal and riverain communities are therefore advised to be on the alert and take necessary precautions to prevent damage to property or personal injury in the event that flooding occurs’