-as Region Two rebuilds after devastating windstorm
THE Government of Guyana has spared no effort in assisting storm-affected residents across Region Two as recovery and rebuilding efforts continue following Wednesday’s destructive windstorm.
Mobilisation in the region commenced early Thursday morning, with Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj leading a multi-agency team into several villages and communities to assess damage and provide immediate support to affected families.
The team included Regional Chairman Devin Mohan, Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit, National Cordinator of Men on Mission Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli, officials from the Ministry of Public Works, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), and other stakeholders who are working together to restore roofs and provide shelter and essential services to the affected residents.
One of the affected residents, Kumar Ramdeo expressed gratitude for the swift intervention, praising President Dr. Irfaan Ali for personally visiting the region and ensuring prompt action was taken to assist those impacted.
“Very thankful for the assistance, and I am thankful to the region and to the Government of Guyana,” Ramdeo said.
Meanwhile, the teacher who was injured during the storm at Riverstown Primary School is reported to be recovering at the Lima Regional Hospital. The educator sustained injuries after a section of the school’s roof structure collapsed during the height of the severe weather.
Relief efforts remain ongoing as teams move rapidly to support families whose homes were damaged by the powerful winds and heavy rainfall. Zinc sheets and other roofing materials are being delivered to affected communities to assist residents in restoring their homes.
Minister Ramraj and Regional Chairman Devin Mohan have been visiting communities to oversee relief operations and ensure affected residents receive the assistance required.
Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit, accompanied by the Regional Engineer, also visited Onderneeming to assess damage to a resident’s home.
Relief operations are being coordinated, with teams expected to assist affected families with rebuilding and recovery works.
Minister Ramraj chaired a planning and coordination meeting in Region Two to mobilise resources and determine immediate interventions required following the storm. The meeting brought together members of the inter-agency team established by President Ali during his visit to the region.
The team continues to monitor the situation, coordinate resources, and advancing recovery efforts in impacted communities. Efforts are also being made to renovate the blue stand at Anna Regina stadium.
PRESIDENT ALI LEADS GROUND ASSESSMENTS
Hours after the storm swept across Region Two, leaving extensive damage to homes, schools, businesses, and public infrastructure, President Ali arrived in the region to personally assess the situation and oversee emergency response efforts.
Accompanied by Minister Ramraj, regional officials, members of the CDC, and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the President visited several affected communities where residents had already begun clearing debris and salvaging damaged property.
Authorities have reported more than 120 incidents resulting from the storm. Entire rooftops were torn from houses, trees and utility poles were uprooted, and several public facilities suffered significant damage.
Among the locations inspected was the Anna Regina Stadium, where strong winds severely damaged a section of the blue stand. The President also visited the Anna Regina Police Station and other government facilities impacted by the severe weather.
During his visits, President Ali met with residents whose homes sustained extensive damage, assuring them that assistance would be provided as quickly as possible. Government teams simultaneously conducted assessments to determine the level of support required for affected households.
Special attention has been given to vulnerable families, including elderly residents, single-parent households, and persons living with disabilities. Emergency relief operations resulted in the distribution of more than 120 tarpaulins to families requiring immediate temporary shelter.
The government has since transitioned from emergency relief to restoration efforts, with zinc sheets and building materials being distributed while work crews assist residents in securing damaged structures and conducting temporary repairs.
President Ali commended the efforts of emergency responders, regional officials, volunteers, contractors, and residents who have worked tirelessly since the storm. He noted that the rapid mobilization of resources and personnel reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring affected communities receive immediate assistance and recover as quickly as possible.
