THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Nine is providing relief to residents affected by flooding due to heavy rains and an increase in water levels of the Branco River (Rio Branco) in Brazil’s Roraima State.
The increase in the water level of the river is preventing the Takutu, Ireng, Rupununi and other rivers in the region from draining, resulting in flooding in the township of Lethem and other areas.
A release said the RDC took a decision to utilise its resources to bring about relief to the people. To this end, the Emergency Management Committee was established to manage and coordinate the disaster response operations, with technical support from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).
Two emergency shelters have been established at Arapaima Primary and Culvert City Nursery Schools; these shelters have a total of 12 households (43 persons).
The floods have displaced a number of persons in Lethem and its environs and affected farms in all five sub-districts in the region.
Roads and bridges were also negatively impacted by the floods, resulting in the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force using their boats to shuttle people (commuters) between Lethem and St. Ignatius.
The Main Access Trail to Lethem is also affected by flooding, resulting in some areas being cut off and vehicles becoming stuck.
The RDC through its Regional Emergency Operations Centre (REOC) is conducting ongoing assessments in the affected areas.
The findings of these assessments will be used to plan and conduct relief operations and currently, the RDC is distributing treated water to affected residents. The provision of other aid began on Thursday.