Representatives from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Ministry of Health (MOH), Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) conducted assessments in several communities in Region 8 over the weekend and found several homes, farms, roads and mining equipment have been destroyed by floodwaters.
In a statement to the press moments ago, it was noted that from Tumatumari Hill Foot to Two Miles is flooded, making it difficult for vehicles to traverse. It was noted by the respective bodies that food prices have increased significantly due to shortages, and there is very little access to drinking water.
In Tumatumari, five households with a total of 21 persons were independently evacuated to the homes of relatives who reside on higher ground. The team also assessed the flood impact at El Passo which is home to approximately 35 families (160 persons). Also, five households (16 persons) which are located on the waterfront were severely impacted by floodwater which rose to about 15 feet. This resulted in contamination of drinking water, damage to food, household items, boats, and engines among other things. As a result, families were relocated to higher ground. Those who reside on the hills also experienced flash floods, but water has since receded.
Among the immediate needs of the affected households are food and cleaning hampers, drinking water, water tanks, life jackets, mattresses, and kerosene. Guyana Standard understands that the CDC is currently working with the RDC to address these immediate needs.
During a meeting between the CDC, RDC, and GGMC to discuss the impact of the flood on mining operations, it was noted that affected miners in the Mining District from Potaro Mouth to Koribrung and Kaieteur had to be moved to Mahdia.
Furthermore, approximately 360 mining operations in Sub-District 2 at Mabura, Kanawaruk, Mahdia, Issano, and Miniaha Landing have been disrupted as a result of flooding.
CDC’s Preparedness and Response Manager, Major Salim October said the team discovered that the bridges at Mowasi Landing and White Water have been washed away while others are damaged.
Major October said there is evidence that some mining camps were abandoned and the assessment team was told that equipment is submerged in floodwaters.
Some miners who remained in the area were in the process of pumping water from the land in preparation to recommence operation as early as Monday.
Among the requests from miners are cleaning supplies, treated mosquito nets, face masks, and malaria medication.
This news agency understands that the Ministry of Health has embarked on a mission to deliver Covid-19 vaccines, malaria tests, and treated mosquito nets to miners.
The government agencies also stated that monitoring and assessment in Sub-District 2 will continue with the assessment moving to Sub-District 1 to assess the impact of the flood in those communities.
Information reaching the team indicated that areas of concern include Paramakatoi which has approximately 10 families and Mountain Foot which has approximately 140 residents. Reports are that the trail between Paramakatoi to Kato is impassable.
