Flood Advisories

In light of the recent heavy rainfall pattern which affected Regions, 2, 3, 4 and 5 the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) was activated this morning at 09:00 hours at the Civil Defence Commission Headquarters, Thomas Lands.In light of the foregoing, the NEOC through its Disaster Risk Reduction Stakeholder Platform have advised the following:
National Hydromet Services- Weather Forecast
Commencing at 12:00 hours (mid-day) today, July 16, overcast conditions and isolated light showers for the early parts of the afternoon are expected. 10-15mm rainfall is expected to ease in the latter part of the afternoon. Some areas are likely to experience brief periods of sunshine, and rainfall between 12:00 hours to 16:00 hours.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises the following for all areas affected by flood waters:

• Remove all chemicals and harmful products from water
• All service stations, gas stations, fuel storage dealers are to ensure the underground tanks are safely secured from flood water so to minimise or avoid contamination
• All food items should be removed to a location safely away from flood water
• All funeral homes in affected areas need to ensure their operations are secure, especially their holding tanks and all chemicals that are used in their operation. Additionally, a stand-by generation should be available should there by prolonged periods of power outage. This will avoid further decomposition of the corpse.
• All water treatment/distribution suppliers ensure their facilities are protected/secured from flood water.
• Industries ( mining, agriculture, plant manufacturers where chemicals are utilised/ manufactured must secure containers and move them to higher ground or dry areas.
• Bulk terminals in flood zone should cease transferring fuel
• Garbage should be placed in garbage bags or big rice bags and placed in areas away from water, until regular pickup resumes or proper disposal can be done.
• Aquaculture facilities in flood or potential flood zone should place sand bags to build up their pond berms to prevent the escape of farmed fish and ingress of native species.
Guyana Water Inc.
In flood situations, treat or boil all tap water intended for food and drink preparation and personal consumption (brushing of teeth, etc.)
Boil for 15 minutes or add 3 to 4 drops of household bleach to each gallon of water and mix well and let stand for 30 minutes before use. Store in tightly sealed containers.

Guyana Power & Light
Customers are asked:
• In the event of flooding, turn off their main switch and place all electrical appliances on higher ground.
• Do not touch exposed electrical wires and ensure that all exposed ends are insulated.
• Stay away from trees that are touching power lines or may sway in the breeze and touch power lines.
National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA)
Flooding has been reported in Regions 2, 3, 4, &5.
• The Current water level in the East Demerara Water Conservancy is reported as 57.60 GD at Lama, 58.15 GD at Flagstaff and 55.75 GD at Land of Canaan, with 54.0 GD in the Mahaica Creek. The critical level of the conservancy is 58.50 GD. There are no instances of overtopping or breaches. However, water is being released at Land of Canaan and into the Hope Canal in an effort to avoid overtopping.
• The present level of the Boerasirie Water Conservancy stands at 62.40 GD, as such water is being released at Five Door. The critical level of the Boerasirie Conservancy is 62.70 GD.
National Emergency Operations Centre
Contact Information
Address: Civil Defence Commission, Thomas Road, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.
Telephone #: (592) 226-1114, 226-8815, 226-1027, 225-5848, 225-2850, 225- 0486 or 225-5847
24 Hours #: (592) 600-3000
FAX: (592) 225-0486
Email: info@cdc.gy, k.craig@cdc.gy
Guyana Power & Light: 225-5251, 600-4475, 226-4015, 333-2186, 777-5016
Persons affected can send photos and information on their location to WhatsApp #696-0281

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