HEAVY and prolonged rainfall caused severe and extensive flooding in Georgetown and its environs yesterday, affecting streets, homes and business places, while persons are being urged to expect more rain over the next 72 hours.Persons in Georgetown were forced to bear the effects of flash flooding, as they were seen bailing water from their houses and businesses. Some were also struggling to stack sand bags to block as much water as possible from entering their homes.
When the Chronicle caught up with an official from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) yesterday, it was disclosed that only some pumps were in operation, as power outages prevented others from functioning.
This, however, the official disclosed was quickly corrected as they worked assiduously to ensure that all were functioning.
Apart from that, the Chronicle observed that garbage still remains a key contributor to floods as drains were clogged, prohibiting the ready flow of water.
Public transportation was scarce yesterday, as some taxi services were under water and unable to work, and minibuses were hardly seen.
Part of the four-lane road leading to the East Coast of Demerara, from the junction at Sheriff Street, scarcely had traffic due to the flooded roadway.
Persons were made to use one side of the four-lane road to travel both to and from the East Coast and Georgetown for quite some time.
MORE RAIN
Meanwhile, citizens are advised that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to persist over the next 72 hours.
The Ministry of Agriculture and other governmental agencies, in a release, announced that they are urging citizens to do all they can to safeguard themselves, their family, property and crops and livestock from being damaged.
“Citizens are urged to protect their children from floodwaters, and to boil all drinking water. If they have to be in the water, they are advised to wear protective boots and to wash their feet with a mixture of bleach and water.”
The Hydrometeorological Department predicts that today, cloudy to overcast skies are expected over all regions, while moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms can also be expected over Regions 1 (Barima-Waini) to 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 10 (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice) and some parts of Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni).
Northern Guyana, including Georgetown and East Coast Demerara, can expect between 20mm to 60 mm of rainfall. All other locations can expect frequent light rain. Tuesday through Thursday, rainfall is expected to reach 20 to 50mm.
By Navendra Seoraj
