…Agriculture Ministry team to fly in today
RESIDENTS in Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) have been forced to pack up and leave their homes to seek higher ground after several areas came under severe flooding as a result of the current May/ June rains.
The Takutu and the Moco Moco Rivers are among the major waterways that are overtopping, as a result flood waters rushing from neighbouring Brazil.
This disclosure was made by Agriculture Minster Dr.Leslie Ramsammy during a meeting with the media yesterday. The Minister said that it is an unfortunate situation and it is emerging as a serious problem.
He pointed out that a report coming out of the Hydromet Office clearly shows that there has been minimal rainfall in Region 9, as compared to other regions in Guyana.
Minster Ramsammy says this situation is clearly  a result of the constant, heavy rainfall in neighbouring Brazil, as rainfall in the region over the past two weeks has been minimal.
The Brazil communities have experienced severe flooding and authorities there have declared a state of emergency.  “You will recall that two weeks ago I talked about monitoring the situation in Brazil where they have had continuous rainfall and the water rising   in the Takutu and other rivers are contributing to the flooding in Region 9. Dr.Ramsammy said Guyanese authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have been in constant contact with the Civil Defence Commission to make sure that residents in
the region are being looked after. “ We are monitoring the situation very closely and I do know that the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Amerinidian Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture have officers reporting on the situation.
Minister Ramsammy said a team from the Agriculture Ministry is expected to be in the region today.
He said even though efforts will be made to save livestock and crops, he is not too optimistic about the crops not being affected. He added that  the Ministry of Agriculture will remain focused  on getting food and water to the people there, and will take further steps when the team returns to Georgetown  .
“I’m hoping that we will get enough information, so this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday, the senior staff at the Ministry  could visit the region …we will be discussing the situation; and hopefully, will be in collaboration with the Ministries of Local Government and Amerindian Affairs and the CDC ,” Minister Ramsammy said.
Areas that are severely affected include villages around Lethem, including St.Ignatius.