THE above-normal rainfall, which commenced at midnight on Friday, December 13, and continued throughout Saturday, December 14, has seen water accumulation of 50 mm in Regions Two, Three and Four.The Hydrometeorological Department of the Ministry of Agriculture has declared this figure the highest rainfall recorded during the current rainy period. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), having made timely preparation in anticipation of responding to the expected rainfall, has dispatched a team of engineers and technical staffers to assess the situation. Thus far, excess water accumulation has been recorded in Regions Two, Three and Four.

Emergency intervention
Since commencement of the above-normal rainy period, the Ministry of Agriculture has started a number of emergency interventions, which have seen outfall channels excavated and desilted. Thus far, flood waters are receding satisfactorily.

Region Two
Water accumulation was recorded at Cotton Field, Bush Lot, Anna Regina, La Bell Alliance and Three Friend. Thus far, all sluices and outfall channels are operable, as works have been completed at Anna Regina, Andrews, Lima, Hampton Court and Winsor Castle outfall channels.

While work has been completed in several areas, work in other areas is yet to be completed.

Region Three
Low-lying residential areas such as Parfaite Harmonie, Bagotville and Good Hope in Canal No. 1 have all been affected by the weather pattern. While work is moving apace to have the situation rectified, all sluices and pumps in the areas are functional, as the NDIA continues its monthly maintenance of drainage structures, especially in areas prone to flash flooding.

Region Four
Sveral communities affected include Buxton and Vigilance. The weather pattern has also had an adverse effect on the fortunes of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), as agricultural lands from Ogle to Haslington have been inundated, resulting in a halt to operations.

Weather Outlook
Overcast conditions with possible thunderstorms that occurred on Saturday have been predicted at a magnitude of 30mm in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight and Ten.

The Ministry of Agriculture wishes to remind residents that while the NDIA has made interventions to see the situation is remedied, precautionary measures must be taken at the community level to assist the situation.