-as heavy flooding continues
THE Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS) said it has assisted over 45 families to evacuate their homes in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) following heavy flooding in the community over the past week. GRCS also assured that it is continuing to work closely with the regional authorities and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) towards addressing the current flood situation in the region

During the last three weeks GRCS volunteers in collaboration with the Region Nine authorities have been continuously monitoring the flood waters in Lethem. Assessments were done in coordination with the regional authorities, other agencies and community members as floodwaters continue to intermittently rise and recede.
According to GRCS Communications Officer, Ms. Kerensa Singh affected community members have indicated that they have not seen this level of flooding since the 1980’s.
In addition, GRCS Volunteers have been participating in meetings and working with the authorities and Community Disaster Response Team in conducting assessments at Lethem.
Last Sunday GRCS sent in hygiene kits and jerry cans to assist those families in need and as well as providing mosquito nets, rubber boots among others.
However, Ms. Singh noted with concern that further assistance has been curtailed because of transportation difficulties. “Because of the flooding many of the roads are under water and some bridges have been washed away but the Civil Defense Commission will be assisting in transporting some of these supplies to Region Nine during the upcoming week,” Ms. Singh said
Meanwhile, GRCS has given the assurance that the entity will continue to assist affected communities in the relief efforts and is calling on all NIT (National Intervention Team) trained personnel to be on alert.
Companies and individuals are also being asked to assist by making donations of both cash and kind. The former will go towards assisting in transportation and in buying supplies, GRCS said.
Donation of supplies needed include babies and children’s supplies, hygiene supplies, gloves, garbage bags and feminine hygiene products. However, GRCS has indicated that donations should not be limited only to these items.
The GRCS said it is continuing to uphold its mission statement by mobilising the power of humanity, in this case by deploying our collective capacities to help wherever and whenever it is most needed in situations of greatest vulnerability.
Cash donations can be taken to Guyana Red Cross Headquarters or deposited to Republic Bank- Account # 3-654-739-2, Demerara Bank – Account # 226-176-6, GBTI – (Disaster Fund) Account # 814-213 or Scotia Bank – Account # 109-778.