-over 150 residents affected, airstrip under water

THE GOVERNMENT of Guyana, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) are actively assessing the sudden incidence of flooding in Kaibarupai, Sand Hill and Waipa in Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight), even as a coordinated disaster response is being put in place.

According to the Ministry of the Presidency, more than 30 persons, who were trained by the CDC in Disaster Risk Reduction are present in the region and have been called upon to render assistance, while the CDC has contacted and asked the regional officials and members of the joint services to conduct an assessment in the affected areas.

Preliminary information received by the ministry revealed that nine houses, six farms and the airstrip are under water in Kaibarupai with over 150 residents being affected, while 85 percent of Waipa is said to be under water as a result of the overtapping of several rivers, including the Ireng River, in the area.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who has responsibility for the CDC and the coordination of disaster response said that President David Granger has been notified of the situation, while Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West has been briefed and Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup, Director General of the CDC is expected to provide a detailed report to the Minister of State so that further action can be taken.