THE Agriculture Ministry has issued a warning saying that Guyanese, particularly those living in low-lying areas, should be on the alert for flooding due to constant rainfall and an impending spring tide which begins today and is expected to last until July 27.

A statement from the Hydrometeorological Office advised that the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is over Guyana, and is likely to remain for the next 24 hours. Consequently, the rainy situation that most parts of Guyana have experienced is likely to continue for the next 24 hours.
“We advise that wet conditions with possible flooding in low-lying areas when rain is coupled with spring tide event will prevail,” the Hydromet statement said. “As such, residents living in low-lying communities are asked to exercise precautions against possible flooding during these events. In addition, marine interests are advised to use caution during the spring tide.”
The Hydromet Service noted that it has received reports on the constant rainfall on Saturday last from a number of its rainfall stations across the country. “These reports give a total accumulated rainfall between 08:00 hrs July 19, 2013 to 08:00 hrs on July 20, 2013. The highest rainfall of 57.1 mm was reported at Onderneeming in Region 2,” the Hydromet statement said.
The Service reported that cloudy to overcast conditions with showers and intermittent rain, which may be heavy at times, can be expected along coastal and near-inland areas. “Flood-prone areas will be already saturated with water, and given that the current conditions do not support a decrease in the precipitation over these areas, there is a strong possibility that these flood-prone areas can continue to experience flooding conditions,” the Hydromet Office stated.
Moreover, Spring Tide advisory is in effect from today at 02:28 hrs at a height of 3.10 metres, and will continue until July 27. The statement said this condition will add to the prevention of gravity drainage in low-lying areas, and will add to water accumulation in these areas, hence extreme caution should be taken during this period.
The Hydromet Service said it is closely monitoring this system, and regular updates will be issued as changes occur.