RESIDENTS living in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon River, in Region Two, who were severely affected by the recent flooding, received cleaning agents and food hampers on Wednesday.

This is according to Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit, who said that the distribution exercise was a collaboration involving the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

Oodit said that 1,475 hampers consisting of cleaning detergents were distributed in the Akawini, Wakapoa, St Monica, Karawab, Kabakaburi, Jacklow, Siriki, Abrams Creek, Nile/Cozier, Kitty/Providence, Moruka/Phoenix Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).  Additionally, 150 food hampers were distributed to affected households in Kabakaburi and St Monica/Karawab.

Oodit said the entire Pomeroon area is currently flooded. He said a team from the regional administration was in the area and assessments are currently being done.

Flooding was also recorded on the Essequibo Coast in villages such as Queenstown, Anna Regina and Capoey. All sluices in Region Two are operable.

The region began experiencing heavy rainfall on December 10, which resulted in severe flooding in the Pomeroon River. Many residents complained that their crops which were in various stages of production, were destroyed.

Residents of Jacklow in the Lower Pomeroon related that their lands were inundated with about two feet of water. There were also reports of the overtopping of the Pomeroon River.

Residents are currently moving their electrical appliances and other valuables to higher ground. This is the second time for the year that Pomeroon has been severely flooded following heavy rainfall. Many persons said that Christmas as of now will be dull for them.

“All our crops that were growing are currently underwater. We just came out from one flooding, now this is another. Our livelihood is severely affected,” a father of two related.

Residents are very frustrated by this situation since they were anticipating selling their crops this Christmas to earn an income.