-residents in vulnerable low lying areas urged to be vigilant

OVER the last 48 hours, Guyana’s weather has been influenced by the entrance of a surface trough which extends up 700 mb (deep troughing) which has produced significant amounts of rainfall along the coast and near inland areas. This troughing was supported by upper level divergence and low level moisture at 850 to 700 mb with relative humidity values reaching 100 percent which supported the development of convective clouds systems.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometeorological Service as at 0800hrs on February 21, 2011, received reports from 49 of its rainfall stations across the country. The records indicate that the highest rainfall over 24 hr period – 0800 hrs on 20th February to 0800 hrs on 21st February, 2011 was 148.1 mm (5.8 inches) which occurred at Land of Canaan, Region 4. The second highest amount of rainfall recorded was 127.1 mm (5.0 inches) which occurred at St Cuthbert’s Mission, Region 4. However, St. Cuthbert’s Mission recorded 274.1 (10.8 inches) of rainfall in 48 hours.
Radar data for the last 24 hours indicate that the East Demerara Water Conservancy and the Boeraserie Conservancy both had in excess of 100 mm (approx. 4.0 inches) rainfall in 24 hours.   There were several others stations which recorded rainfall in excess of 100.0 mm of rainfall:

Region 2:
Supernaam Forestry: 130.5 mm (5.1inches);
Region 3:
Leguan: 115.4 mm (4.54 inches)
De kinderen Back: 112.3 mm (4.4 inches);
Boerasirie: 116.3 mm (4.57 inches)
Region 4:
Vryheid’s Lust, ECD: 111.5 mm (4.38 inches);
Sam Atta Point, EBD: 121.1 mm (4.76 inches)
Region 5:
Grove, Mahaicony: 112.3 mm (4.42 inches):
Waterloo Berbice: 104.0 mm (4.09 inches)
De Edwards Village: 114.0 mm (4.48 inches)
Region 6:
Rose Hall: 100.8 mm (3.96 inches)

OUTLOOK:

During the next 24hrs, similar conditions are very likely to persist, with the possibility in the reduction of rainfall amounts. On Wednesday February 23, 2011 showers can be expected mostly along the coast. Persistent rainfall can lead to soils becoming fully saturated, thus increasing the possibility for overland flow (flooding).

The La Nina phenomenon still persists and is expected to do so until the end of the first quarter of 2011. Therefore, the rainfall quantities experienced may occur from time to time as La Nina continues to influence our weather pattern.

The Spring tide advisory is currently in effect and is expected to end on the morning of 23rd February, 2011.

Drainage Update:

Due to excessive rainfall experienced in many low lying vulnerable areas along the coast, the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has intensified its efforts to reduce the incidence of water accumulation with a significant number of personnel and equipment being deployed to vulnerable areas to implement necessary interventions.

In Region Two, as a result of heavy rainfall, water levels are high in residential and farming areas. Areas affected include, Lima, Anna Regina, Henrietta, Richmond, Bush Lot, Reliance, Better Success, Westbury, Affiance, Columbia, Queenstown, Zorg, Johanna Cecelia and Supenaam. Water accumulated in the Golden Fleece and Iteribisi conservancies, and as a result, there was overtopping of the Golden Fleece conservancy. An excavator has already been deployed to assist in rectifying this situation. Empoldering and heightening of dams at Pomeroon are currently being undertaken, while relief outlets at Unu Creek, Iteribisi, Capoey and Riverstown areas have been opened. Water is being released at Iteribisi and Riverstown areas. The high waters are receding.

In Region Three, water levels are high in Canal No.2 Polder, Pouderoyen and Patentia. Other areas affected include Sans Souci, Wakenaam, Waterloo, Dorn Haag, Leguan, Western Hogg Island, low areas of Windsor Forest, Bell West, Oku Canal No.1. Presently, the NDIA’s pontoon and excavator are dredging the Windsor Castle outfall channel. NDIA excavators are currently working at Canals Polder, Windsor Castle and Parika back. In addition, the NDIA has completed the rehabilitation of the Stanleytown pump bypass channel and has re-deployed a mobile pump from Leguan to Blankenburg. Monthly maintenance cleaning of Canal No.1 and 2 main drains are in progress. The NDIA is also deploying pumping equipment to supplement drainage at the Patentia sluice.

In Region Four, high waters are reported in all areas of the region. Areas affected include the low areas of Unity, Vryheid’s Lust, sections of Lusignan, Montrose, Annandale, Bee Hive, Craig, Friendship, Diamond, Providence, Peters Hall. High water levels in canals in Montrose and Cane Grove were reported. The doors at Greenfield were opened after the NDIA’s dredging equipment cleared the Greenfield outfall channel. One of the doors at Hope was also opened providing additional relief for residents in the area. Drainage pumps are operable at Hope, Melanie and Victoria. Excavation of the Triumph pump basin has been completed along with the excavation of the Annandale bypass and installation of tube. Tractor pumps will be installed at Craig, Friendship and Herstelling, EBD, while the NDIA completed repairs to the Mosquito Hall sluice winch. Excavation works are currently ongoing at Alliance Road, Timehri.

In Region Five, there is accumulation of water at Blairmont and Ithaca, with an increase in water level in the upper reaches of the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary Creeks. Heightening of embankments at Mahaicony is being undertaken.

In Region Six, areas affected include No.19, Sheet Anchor and minor accumulation in Johanna and Mibicuri housing areas. The NDIA’s Community Drainage and Irrigation Project (CDIP) workers are assisting with the clearing of drains in critical areas. Excavation of the Lesbeholden and Eversham outfall channels has been completed and excavation of the No.43 outfall channel will soon commence.

In Region Ten, rainfall was reported in Kwakwani with accumulation of water at Coomacka mines. There were reports of high waters in areas of Kara Kara Creek.

In Georgetown, there is accumulation of water in some low areas of South Georgetown, Bel Air and sections of Queenstown. There were also high waters in the low sections of Sophia and sections of Newtown Kitty. The City Engineer Department has reported that all pumps are operable. The Mayor and City Council has responsibility for drainage of the city.

In GuySuCo cultivation areas, there were reports of accumulation of water in some low fields in LBI and Enmore estates. In addition, there were reports of high water at Montrose and Good Hope.  Two drainage pumps at Good Hope were operable by 20:00 hrs yesterday.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is urging residents in vulnerable low lying agricultural and residential communities  to take necessary precautions to avoid flooding and water accumulation.

The NDIA is advising all Regional Democratic Councils, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and residents to be vigilant in the timely operation of all sluices and pumping stations, and to ensure waterways are cleaned and free of garbage.

For more updates on the weather and drainage responses call the Ministry of Agriculture’s hotline numbers: 223-7291, 227-5049 or text messaging at 691-0000 and Website:  www.agriculture.gov.gy