–but chairman says authorities have things under control

REPORTS out of the Rupununi are that flood waters have been receding constantly in places over the weekend, and the authorities are testing the water used for consumption at villages in the region to ensure it is safe for use.
Region Nine Chairman, Bryan Allicock however told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday that while the rains from the night before had eased around midday in most places, there were reports of persistent rainfall in several of the outlying villages.
He said too, that while the water level in the township of Lethem had receded significantly over the weekend, it was rising in several villages in the North Rupununi.
Allicock said that he travelled to the village of Kwatamang, near Annai, on Saturday and saw that the water level there was high in several parts of the landscape. He said that the public road between Annai and Lethem was flooded at various sections. Those areas include the Hunt Oil stretch between the villages of Toka and Mertizero, parts of the road near Pirara, as well as in the vicinity of Yakarinta.
He said that the regional authorities, along with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Ministry of Public Health are monitoring the situation throughout the region. Allicock noted, too, that while there were reports of vomiting and diarrhea as a result of the flooding, the medical personnel are actively monitoring the situation.
Information from the neighbouring Brazilian state of Roraima indicates that sections of the state were flooded, while the water levels in the Rio Negro and the Rio Branco waterways were high.
The latter waterway throws water into the Takutu and Ireng Rivers, which lie on the border with Brazil.
“But, we are prepared for any eventuality,” Allicock said, adding that reports from outlying villages such as those in the Deep South Rupununi are still being compiled.
As regards the harvesting of cassava, an essential staple for Region Nine residents, the Regional Chairman noted that villagers are reaping their crops. He said that persons have indicated that there are several farms of cassava which have not been affected by flood waters.
Allicock said that persons at Lethem, who were evacuated from their homes are still at the shelters, and are being cautioned to remain there until the situation has returned to normal.