Very heavy rainfall predicted in Guyana for next 24 hrs, President constitutes task force

Georgetown, Guyana: This season’s heavy rainfall led to flooding in several regions of the island, to which in response, President Dr Irfaan Ali has constituted a Cabinet Level Task Force. 

In the last 24 hours, the Regions 1 – 5 recorded stashed rainfall estimating above two inches. So far, no casualty has not been recorded by the authorities, but 5,900 households has been so far impacted by the flooding in several areas. 

Meanwhile, the weather forecast for the next 24 hours has predicted continuous rainfall and thunderstorms across the coastland, including the parts of Regions 7, 8 and 10.

The forecast further notes that Region 9 would witness scattered rain. 

The task force would measure the impact of weighty rainfall, monitor the flooded areas, and work will all the local authorities to keep a check and ensure that all response and mitigative systems are in their exact place and functional.   

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips would lead the task force, which will also include: 

• The Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, 
• Minister of Housing and Water, 
• Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission’s – (CDC), 
• The National Security Advisor, 
• The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority’s (NDIA) Chairman,
• Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Chief of Staff, 
• and the Chief Hydrometeorological Officer.   

The Head of the State has asked the general public to remain calm and take every necessary precaution for the flood. The citizens can report to the local authorities for emergency or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 (anytime). 

The government is working closely and monitoring the flooding regions. 

On Sunday, the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works – Deodat Indar, along with Dr Tandika Smith, Member of Parliament, and Chairperson of Mora/ Parika Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Jaideo Sookhoo (with his technical team) examined the flood-affected communities in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region 3).  

They also visited to examine the effects of heavy rainfall in Hyde Park Parika, the lowest point in Parika backdam, and Salem.