AN emergency medical response team has been established to address any public health threats that may arise as a result of the flooding in Georgetown and its environs. The heavy rainfall experienced over the early hours of yesterday was brought on by a shift in the inter-tropical convergence zone from its last position to about six degrees north of the equator, bringing it directly over Guyana’s coast.

The team was organised by the ministry during a meeting of health officials including the Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran, Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud, Director, Regional Health Services Dr Monica Odwin, CEO Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Michael Khan and Civil Defence Commission’s Major Kester Craig. The team is also liaising with other key stakeholders such as the Mayor and City Council, government health facilities and pharmaceutical warehouses.
All health centres have been placed on alert to provide adequate response by detecting, treating and managing patients with symptoms of water borne and other diseases. Adequate medical supplies have also been provided. The ministry has ascertained that there is an adequate supply of oral rehydrating salts, bleach and chlorine tablets, as needed.
Two outreach teams have been mobilised to serve the Albouystown and Festival City communities until the flood is over.
Public health advisories have been issued through the media and will also be sent to the school system, whilst doctors are being sent to strengthen staffing in various municipalities. The ministry is relying on Cuban trained Guyanese doctors to provide this additional support.
Prior to the meeting, the ministry was monitoring the situation and Minister Ramsaran is urging parents to supervise their children and keep them out of the flooded areas.
Damage to other municipal health centres is being reviewed, whilst outreaches are being planned for other affected areas.

WEATHER REPORT
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture has reported that a high pressure system over the Bermuda forced the inter-tropical convergence zone to shift from its last position, bringing it directly over Guyana’s coast.

As a result, the heavy downpour caused flooding in parts of Regions 2, 3 and 4. This six-hour rainfall of 128.9mm, or 5.1 inches, which was recorded at the Botanical Gardens was the highest recorded data analysed for Georgetown since 1892.
The weather forecast up to midnight last Tuesday night did not indicate or provide any warning of the weather condition experienced. Yesterday morning’s rainfall had an intensity of 21.5mm per hour, compared to 6.9mm per hour in 2005 and 5.9mm per hour in 2004.
Cloudy conditions are expected to continue over the next six to 12 hours. The heaviest rainfall is expected to be over Regions 2 and 4, recording between 50 and 100mm. (GINA)