FLOODING ACROSS GUYANA DUE TO OVERTOPPING

-COASTAL RESIDENTS URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTION

Robert Bacchus, speaking to Guyana Times Reporter

Several East and West Bank Communities and parts of Georgetown including the Stabroek market has been inundated after Guyana experienced the highest hige tide ever recorded on September 09. Hundreds are displaced as water flood their homes and children are unable to go to school.

The Ministry of Agriculture's Hydrometeorological Service has advised that the weather conditions has been caused by showers and thunderstorms which are associated with a weak area of low pressure located near the Windwards Islands. These have extended to just Northwest outside of Guyana.

The Hydromet Service says that the system continues to show signs of organisation, and environmental conditions appear favourable for “ some gradual development”, as the low moves slowly westward. There is a 40 per cent chance of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. “ As a result of this instability nearby, it is likely that during the next 24 hours, especially during the early morning hours, the northern half of Guyana – Regions One to Seven – may be affected by occasional periods of heavy rainfall. Gusty winds, especially in areas of heavy showers and thundershowers, are also expected.” Another spring tide period, which started on September 5, is being experienced, and will end on September 12; hence sea conditions are very likely to be disturbed, with waves exceeding 2.5 metres and open waters becoming rough at times. The highest tide during this period was recorded on Thursday, September 9 at 16: 46hrs.


Residents living in coastal, low- lying and riverain areas are advised to take the necessary precautions against possible flooding.