…gradual easing of rain forecast

HEAVY and prolonged showers last night and yesterday morning have left several commercial and residential areas of Georgetown and some coastal communities inundated.

Many woke up to flooded yards, lower flats, streets, and even main roadways, causing inconvenience to persons by the disruption of their daily routine.

The Hydro-meteorological Service informed this publication that between 10.0mm and 30.0mm of rainfall had been recorded over all regions during a six-hour period to noon yesterday. The highest totals were recorded over Regions 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), 8 (Potaro/ Siparuni), 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), and in coastal and near inland areas. The Hydro-met office added that recent rainfall made the ground “wet”, but additional rainfall has the potential to bring flooding.

However, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has implemented measures, among which is the formation of an Emergency Committee to address potential flooding in the city and elsewhere.
Drainage pumps are working efficiently, and some have been installed at emergency drainage locations to ensure efficient and effective recession of floodwaters.

Flash flood warnings are in effect for flood-prone areas within Regions 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), 4 (Demerara/Mahaica), 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne), and Region 10.

The Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) in the various regions told this publication that they have not had any serious case of flooding in any of their respective villages, but low-lying areas have expectedly been affected.

Weather Outlook for the week
* Today: Cloudy to overcast skies can be expected, with light to moderate showers over coastal areas and Region 7 during the morning periods, becoming partly sunny into the afternoon.

* Heavy thundershowers are likely over Region 8. Other areas across Guyana would likely experience occasional showers. Rainfall is expected between 25.0 and 40.0 mm over coastal areas and Region 7, and between 60 millimetres (mm) and 100mm over Region 8.

* Wednesday: Partly cloudy to cloudy skies can be expected, with a few scattered, light-to-moderate showers over coastal areas. Other areas can expect isolated showers. Rainfall is expected up to a maximum of 20mm over coastal areas.

* Thursday: Partly cloudy conditions can be expected, with sunny skies and brief cloudy periods along with isolated to scattered light showers. Rainfall is expected up to a maximum of 15mm over coastal areas.

* Friday: Cloudy to overcast skies can be expected, with occasional to frequent light-to-moderate showers over regions 1 and 2. Other areas can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with brief isolated showers. Rainfall is expected up to a maximum of 30mm over regions 1 and 2, and up to a maximum of 10.0mm over other areas.

(By Sandy Agasen)