– sections of the Mahaica Creek overtopped
– flood waters a foot high in the surrounding area
THE excess water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) continues to drain into the Mahaica Creek, via the Lama and Maduni sluices, and reports reaching the Guyana Chronicle are that several sections of the creek have been overtopped.
Since the overtopping, machinery has been mobilized to ensure that the dams are shored-up to minimise the inundation.
Residents describe the flow of water from the sluices as coming “full mouth” – an indication of the water’s velocity.
The Lama and Maduni sluices were opened last Tuesday after the EDWC rose at an unprecedented rate, but were reportedly closed on Thursday after officials deemed that the levels in the conservancy had decreased to a safe level.
However, more rains, coupled with the spring tide, saw the Lama and Maduni sluices being reopened on Saturday.
Flood-weary residents in the Mahaica Creek area were optimistic that with the sluices closed, some of the crops would have been saved; but they are now battling the flooding caused by the excess rainfall and the overtopping of the Mahaica Creek.
The spring tide, which undoubtedly compounds the situation, is expected to continue until March 24, was at its highest yesterday morning, at a level of 3.35meters above datum at 4:20hours.

Major Losses

One resident and farmer, Mr. Ramkumar Mangru, told the Guyana Chronicle that there is no more fight left in the farmers, who are overwhelmed at their losses.
He noted that a fear of a repeat of the 2005 floods is the pressing concern among, not only Mahaica Creek residents, but those in the equally vulnerable Mahaicony area.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, at a press conference Friday, announced $225M in La Nina relief interventions to support those affected, especially farmers, to get back into production.
These interventions include seed paddy, fertilizers, assistance to have access dams repaired to good condition, veterinary supplies, replacement of livestock, planting materials, chemicals and emergency drainage and irrigation works.
Additionally, over the weekend, officials from central Ministry of Agriculture and extension officers from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) were spread out in the affected areas conducting assessments of the situation on the ground.
This form of support continues and, according to Persaud, will continue through the May/June rains.
The excessive rainfall, a result of La Nina phenomenon, has put a strain on Guyana’s drainage systems.
La Nina phenomenon still persists and is expected to do so until the end of March. Occurrences of extreme rainfall events are likely from time to time as La Nina continues to influence our weather pattern.
For more information on the weather, the Ministry’s hotline numbers are: 223-7291, 227-5049 or text messaging at 691-0000 and website www.agriculture.gov.gy .
Additionally, residents at inland, riverine and coastal areas have been put on alert for flash flooding, due to the extreme high tides occurring over the next few days, and are asked to take the necessary precautions.