MANY residents and businesses around Georgetown and its environs yesterday voiced their concern about widespread flooding due to extensive,torrential rainfall. The Guyana Chronicle visited some of the affected areas and interacted with residents from the Albouystown area in particular, many of whom voiced their concerns about the high level of floodwater.
Guyana has recently experienced an intense period of rainfall, with Georgetown being drenched with approximately 70mm of rain.
The East Coast of Demerara received approximately 100mm, while Leonora, in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) received around 225mm. This resulted in flooding in most low-lying areas.
One resident noted that she lives in “a downstairs of a building,” and the water level is some two inches away from touching her bed.
Another told the Guyana Chronicle that the residents of Sussex Street took action by blocking some of the adjoining streets, so that vehicles could not traverse the area. He noted that “when the vehicles drive through the street, it causes waves, and a lot of water is entering the low houses.”
CLOSED FOR BUSINESS
Most city businesses were closed, due to the flood, and while some businesses remained open, staff were seen “bailing water” from these entities. Courts Guyana Public Relations Officer, Roberta Ferguson, told of their experience this time around. “Due to previous experiences of flooding, we have made certain preparations to kind of keep the water level in the store at a minimum, but this time, it is high, and water started to come into the building,” she said.
It was also explained that the water was higher than usual and as such, the staff is keeping a ‘vigilant eye’ to make sure the company does not incur further losses.
According to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), flooding has been reported in Regions 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 4 (Demerara-Mahaica); and 5 (Mahaica-Berbice).
The current water level in the East Demerara Water Conservancy is reported as 57.60 Georgetown Datum (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 stands at 58.50 GD, and there have been 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.