A. Situation analysis
Description of the disaster
Heavy rainfall along Guyana’s coastal regions during the period of Wednesday, 15 July and Thursday, 16 July 2015 has resulted in increased water levels in rivers and canals. Regions #3 and #4 are the most affected regions with flooding in several communities, in yards and homes in some instances.
The activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) was authorized. Total losses and the total number of people affected by the flooding are yet to be determined. However, based on the 2012 Preliminary Census Report, with more than 70 per cent of the country’s population living along the coastal areas, a significant number of households have been either directly or indirectly affected. In addition, the latest reports provided by the NEOC indicate the following damage:
AREAS AFFECTED
Region 1 - BARIMA - WAINI Reports of flooding in Region 1 have been received as follows:
Communities in the Barima River - Hotoqui, Arukami, lower Kariabo, Araua
Communities in the Kaituma River are reportedly affected by flooding.
Region 2 - POMEROON - SUPENAAM
Both banks of the lower Pomeroon River are flooded.
The Tapacuma-Mainstay Conservancy is high and is being monitored by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).
The creek at the back end of Supenaam is high and the area is flooded.
Region 3 - ESSEQUIBO ISLANDS - WEST DEMERARA
There is flooding from Hydronie (East Bank Essequibo) to Free and Easy (West Bank Demerara).
Canals No. 1 and 2 are reportedly under about 2 feet of water.
Region 4 - DEMERARA-MAHAICA
Farmlands are still flooded, especially in the areas from Dutchfort to Bee Hive.
Water is still high in Buxton backlands.
The larger pump is not working at Hope due to a hydraulic leak and the smaller one is unable to independently drain the area.
The pump at Victoria and one pump at Montrose are not operational.
There is one badly damaged (of the two) sluice doors at Chateau Margot.
Number 2 unit at Strathespy has a problem; one (of three) unit at Victoria is not operational.
A fuel shortage for some pumps (such as the Huntley pump) is anticipated.
Great losses in cash crops due to the flooding are anticipated.
Water has receded in the streets of Georgetown; however, the canal levels are still high.
Siltation of Lamaha Street tunnel and the tunnel from Avenue of the Republic to Muneshwar outfall need urgent attention.
A team is assessing blockages at the Kitty pump station.
Due to the heavy activity of the large population of squatters, the North Ruimveldt sideline dam canal is heavily silted and is contributing to major flooding in Alexander Village, East and West Ruimveldt, Tucville, Meadowbrook, Lamaha Springs and North Ruimveldt.
Region 5 – MAHAICA - BERBICE
Bara Bara to Mora Point is at risk to flooding; teams are checking to confirm farmers’ reports of flooded farmlands in these areas.
Lower Morakabai is flooded; water is on farmlands.
There is high water level in Mahaicony, and Mahaica is at risk.
PUBLIC BUILDING UPDATES
The impact (level of damage) to public buildings throughout the affected areas is still to be determined; however one school in Albouystown is currently being utilized as a collective centre.