In Essequibo…
PERSISTENT rainfall accompanied by high winds pounded Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) continuously for more than 15 hours between Wednesday and yesterday.

The showers began around midday Wednesday and continued through the night, halting harvesting from many rice fields ready for reaping but now flooded.

Some farmers told the Guyana Chronicle they never expected such weather and are wondering if the May-June rains have come early.

They said it will be very difficult for mechanical harvesters to operate.

Those who have cultivations in the Cozier Scheme reported that drainage and irrigation canals are overflowing and, if the rain continues, the dams will be swamped, too.

According to them, access routes to Cozier are muddy and cannot be used to transport paddy on trailers.

The sudden downpours caught farmers by surprise and also stopped paddy drying, as well, throughout Essequibo Coast.

Among the low-lying places flooded are housing schemes at Richmond, Henrietta, Bush Lot, Charity, Bounty Hall, Westbury and La Belle Alliance.

However, the excess water had begun receding when the sluices were opened yesterday afternoon. (RAJENDRA PRABHULALL)