– Rupununi flood waters begin to recede
MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud, Thursday, updated the National Assembly on the Region 9 flood situation, indicating that the third meeting of the Regional Disaster Committee was held that day, chaired by the Regional Chairman. He informed that four functioning committees were formed to deal with logistics, communications, administration and shelter management.
Stakeholders involved include Regional Councillors located in Lethem, Police, Guyana Defence Force, Red Cross, Rupununi Chamber of Commerce, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), and the Lethem Power Company, among others. An office has been established at the regional guest house to monitor and evaluate the situation.
In Central Lethem, at St. Ignatius, the water was rising, but not as rapidly as on Wednesday evening, Minister Persaud said. He added that in Tabatinga, water was in the yards of a few homes, especially those close to the creek. He explained that if this continues persons would have to be evacuated.
In preparation for this, several shelters have been identified at the Arapaima Primary School, Culvert City Nursery Annexe, Christian Brethren Rest House, Caretaker’s Quarters, Regional Guest House, Government Quarters R15 and R 28, and Beverly Hills Quarters.
A boat has been put in place at the Lethem/St. Ignatius bridge, while additional boats will be located at different points to facilitate persons across flooded areas.  Garbage bags, bleach and Jeyes fluid have been distributed to persons close to the Tabatinga Creek, while adequate drugs are available in the event of water-borne diseases arising.
Minister Persaud stated that between 05:30hrs and 07:30hrs on Thursday, heavy rain in the Lethem area, plus the overflowing of the Rio Branco in neighbouring Brazil, resulted in the continued rising of the water. The GWI pump station at Culvert City, which was flooded, would have been shut off if the water continued to rise. The second pump at Bon Success will continue to supply Lethem and environs.
A stand-by generator has been put in place in case of difficulties with the Lethem Power Company.
Trucks and volunteers have been identified in collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, championed by the Red Cross, to supply water to villages where necessary.
Evacuation of some families has already begun, with two from St. Ignatius moved to higher ground and three others transported to the homes of their relatives, as requested.
While some road users have indicated that some bridges pose a threat to heavy vehicles, the Ministry of Public Works has been informed and is assessing the situation. Bridges at Lethem, St. Ignatius, Moco Moco, are covered with water, and approaches have been inundated.
The Kumu bridge is covered; and at Manari, the approach has been washed away from a small bridge. However, emergency works have already commenced there.
In Sand Creek, 11 households have been evacuated, and water began receding in the Rupununi River.
At Karasabai, light rains continued and the four bridges leading into the area were under water, while part of the newly constructed road has been washed away. There was no damage to agriculture crops and livestock, and basic food supplies are adequate, except for the village shop at Yurong Paru.
There has been no outbreak of illness reported, and basic medical supplies are adequate.