Severe flooding in Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) has washed away a number of roads, leading to several parts of Deep South Rupununi being cut off from central Lethem.
Additionally, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) said the water level continues to fluctuate, making it tough for them to assess the level of damage.
The flooding is as a result of the overtopping of several rivers, particularly the Takutu River, due to heavy rainfall in the region and over in neighbouring Brazil which resulted in overtopping of the Rio Brancho River.
At present, 59 persons have been evacuated and placed in three shelters which were established, and they are being tended by the region with support from the CDC.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has also been providing support through a boat shuttle service for residents from 06:00h to 18:00h every day.
Reports reaching this publication state that the Deep South Rupununi’s main access road en-route to Aishalton is partly washed away. However, vehicles are presently traversing on the back road through Karaudanawa to get to Aishalton so that they can access those communities.
In addition, residents who live in low-lying areas in close proximity to the Moco Moco and Tabatinga Creeks in the municipality of Lethem have been evacuated and are being housed in the temporary shelters. Nevertheless, a number of the residents have chosen to remain in their homes since the water continues to fluctuate.
On Friday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon led a team to the region to assess the situation. The Minister said the current weather patterns in the region and in Brazil will see the water rising and receding at frequent intervals; but with a coordinated approach, some semblance of order can exist.
Minister Harmon noted that, overall, he is satisfied with the arrangements put in place, as the response and preparation this year has far surpassed those that were in place last year.
The CDC, on Friday, carried in the supplies requested by the region, including water purification tablets, collapsible bottles, detergents and cleaning supplies, beddings and blankets, among other materials.
