…but more flooding very likely
VEHICLES were able to traverse roadways linking villages to Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) as flood waters from the swollen Takutu River retreated Saturday night and yesterday.
But the Regional Administration is maintaining its alert since the apparent flash flood was due to what is felt to be the first rains of the rainy season and future flooding cannot be ruled out, Regional Chairman Clarendo Lucas said.
Lethem is known to be particularly flood-prone since, like many other villages in the Northern and Central Rupununi, it is located in a “rift valley” between the Pakaraima and Kanuku Mountain ranges.
Lucas said that rains fell heavily in the mountains above Lethem for most of yesterday and this is usually a precursor to flooding.
“The situation here is unpredictable and so we are preparing for the worst.”

Lucas said that the lives of twelve families on the banks of the Tabatinga Creek, in the environs of Lethem, had been disrupted by the flooding; but with the retreat of the Takutu River over the past twelve hours, it is hoped that the situation of these families may soon return to normal.
He disclosed that the disaster preparedness committee, which held its first meeting on Friday, met again yesterday and  seven sub-committees  which were formed have been tasked to come up with contingency plans for the retreat of flood waters and in the event that flooding recurs.
He reported, “Sub-committees are looking at issues like evacuation, shelter management, logistics, potable water and sanitation, health
and hygiene, psychosocial issues and education awareness.”