AS THE Ministry of Health continues to monitor the flooding situation in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) and other remote parts of the country, it is concerned about reports that water levels have risen in the Kwakwani area. This is according to a press release the Ministry of Health sent to media houses yesterday.
“We are encouraged by the reports of continued fall in water levels in Region Nine, and note in some areas water has left land. Environmental officers are assisting in cleaning up. Jeyes fluid is being used to support cleaning-up activities. Fogging of surrounding areas, particularly in places like Lethem and St. Ignatius, is being carried out,” the release said, adding:
“At the same time, we are concerned about the reports that the water level has risen by about 1 to2 inches overnight in the Lamp Island and Water Fort area of Kwakwani.
“We are also monitoring heavy rains in other hinterland areas, but we are unaware of major flooding in other areas. The Ministry of Health has obtained additional supplies to maintain readiness.”
The release noted flood waters in Lethem have receded substantially. “There are no flood waters on the main public roads of Lethem. Only a small proportion of the yards in Lethem remain flooded. People who were residing at the shelters and at other households are now returning to their homes. However, the three shelters in the area are still operational,” the ministry said in its release.
Public Health officials in Lethem, the release said, are visiting the households to distribute Jeyes fluid, and garbage bags to assist in the clean up activity and to provide the necessary advice.
“They also utilised a loud speaker to make important PSAs, particularly – to only drink treated water. Potable water is being supplied at a central location. Chlorosol is used to purify the water,” the agency said in the release, which also noted that the region engaged in a fogging exercise yesterday in anticipation of the increased mosquito vectors after the flood waters will have receded.
Mosquito nets are being distributed to families, and there has been no report to date of an increase in water-borne illnesses in Region Nine, the release said.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), retired Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup said that the operations centre plans to close the last remaining school building shelters soon, with a view to cleaning and readying them for school either tomorrow or Tuesday.
He said too that the water has dropped to such an extent, that the roads are now visible again. He reported that there were two flights into Lethem yesterday, and three from Lethem into the surrounding communities.
Tomorrow, there will be another flight into Lethem from Georgetown.