THE National Emergency Operation Centre yesterday carried out a number of assessment, monitoring and distribution activities in areas affected by the recent flooding, according to a press release from the body. 

Operatives of the NEOC distributed meals and offered administrative assistance to the shelter set up in Albouystown. The Ministry of Social Protection had recently set up the shelters with the approval of Cabinet in collaboration with the partners of the NEOC.
Three 400-gallon water tanks with potable water were deployed to Albouystown. One of those was positioned at the Masjid in the area, whilst the other was placed at the Selman Fraser Nursery School, and is currently being used at the shelter. Similarly, water filters were mobilised and kept on standby for distribution.
Cleaning and sanitation items were distributed to Homestead of St. Vincent de Paul, and the Chase’s Indigent Home for senior citizens.
Assessments were conducted at established shelters and affected communities in all the regions by Environmental Health Officers of the Ministry of Health. Flyers with health safety tips were also distributed to households throughout the regions.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Red Cross Society has since called for a Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, which will allow access to funding aid needed for continued assistance to those affected. Guyana’s armed forces also pitched-in with the relief efforts by monitoring conservancies.
Field staff from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority were deployed yesterday in affected areas to conduct assessments, and while there is a low-level threat to livestock, some are being moved to higher grounds.
Damage assessments were conducted by technical teams in Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and other surrounding villages, where reports show that water continues to recede at a slow rate.
The National Weather Centre reported most cloudy skies with light to moderate showers are expected along the coastal regions. The centre will continue to monitor weather conditions. Meanwhile, thundershowers are likely over Regions 5 (Demerara-Mahaica), and 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne), with rainfall expected between 15mmm and 40mm.
The NEOC also noted that from Sunday through Tuesday, cloudy to overcast skies are expected to prevail throughout all Regions, with moderate showers, intermittent rain and thundershowers to accompany these conditions.
The NEOC is currently working around the clock to monitor and assess affected and vulnerable communities along with conservancies. (Derwayne Wills)