…says if inundation continues, persons would have to be evacuated
THE persons who were seriously affected by the flooding in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) are still in the shelters that were identified by authorities.
But, when the water recedes, they will be able to return to their homes. Meantime, there have been reports of damages to some farmlands and crops and the assessment by Government is continuing, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Ganga Persaud reported yesterday.
He told the media, at his Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown office, that the ministry is receiving updates two times a day from the competent regional authorities.
Persaud commended the latter, along with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), for the quick response and extended sympathy to the residents who suffered loss.
He said Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS) also organised support to provide potable water to residents and the Regional Health Officers (RHOs) had several of the detergents and other items necessary to deal with the situation.
Persaud said the Lethem Power and Light Company ensured it had enough fuel for a prolonged period and both of the pumps in Lethem are functioning.
Last Thursday, when he updated the National Assembly on the flooding in Region Nine, the minister indicated that the third meeting of the Regional Disaster Committee was held that day, chaired by the Regional Chairman.

FUNCTIONING COMMITTEES
Persaud informed that four functioning committees were established to deal with logistics, communications, administration and shelter management.
Stakeholders involved include Regional Councillors located in Lethem, Police, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), GRCS, Rupununi Chamber of Commerce, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Lethem Power and Light Company, among others.
Persaud also said an office has been established at the Regional Guest House to monitor and evaluate developments.
In Central Lethem, at St. Ignatius, the water was rising but not as rapidly as on Wednesday evening, he said, adding that, at Tabatinga, also in Rupununi, it was in the yards of a few homes, especially those close to the creek.
Persaud explained that, if this inundation continues, persons would have to be evacuated.
In preparation for such an eventuality, several shelters were 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, the minister announced.
He said one boat has been placed at the Lethem/St. Ignatius bridge and additional boats will be at different points to facilitate persons across flooded areas.

ADEQUATE DRUGS
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 the outbreak of water-borne diseases, Persaud reported.
He recalled that, between 05:30 hrs and 07:30 hrs on Thursday, heavy rain in the Lethem area, plus the overflowing of the Rio Branco River in neighbouring Brazil, resulted in the continued rising of water.
The GWI pump station at Culvert City, which was flooded, would have been shut off if the water continued to rise and the second pump at Bon Success will continue to supply Lethem and environs. A standby generator has been made available in case of difficulties at the Lethem Power Company.
While 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 status situation but overpasses at Lethem, St. Ignatius and Moco Moco are covered with water and approaches to them 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.
At 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.
No outbreak of illnesses has been reported and basic medical supplies are adequate, he assured.