Sections of Guyana’s capital declared disaster areas

A truck delivering potable water, which is in great
demand

Public Works Minister
Anthony Xavier

by Norman 'Gus' Thomas
Caribbean Net News Special Regional Correspondent

Thursday, January 20, 2005

GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The Government of Guyana has declared the flood-stricken City of Georgetown along with a number of surrounding districts disaster areas following days of some of the heaviest rains seen in the "Garden City" in more than 100 years.

Officials at the Government Information Agency (GINA) told Caribbean Net News Wednesday that the flood completely "took over the city" forcing the closure of business places and schools as hundreds were forced to flee their homes. 

According to GINA, a number of emergency shelters were erected in Georgetown and outlying districts to house the displaced and several government teams were dispatched to distribute food, and other emergency supplies where needed.

The following administrative regions have been declared disaster areas: 

Region Three – West Demerara/Essequibo Islands 

Region Four – Demerara/Mahaica 

Region Five – Mahaica/West Berbice 

According to Robert Persaud, a spokesman for the Government, the declaration of a disaster would allow the government to seek overseas assistance for special and additional relief for the affected communities.

“It also reflects how seriously the administration views the current situation”, he told the press.

Amazed at the large body of water before his eyes, President Bharrat Jagdeo spent hours touring flooded communities on the East Coast Demerara and the country's Minister with responsibility for Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, has been meeting with a team of health professionals as they assess the situation.

One Health official told Caribbean Net News that Ramsammy and the team have gone on several walk abouts trying to assess the health needs of persons affected by the flood. 

Meanwhile, the government is providing hot meals for flood victims and every effort is being made to take care of senior citizens affected by the flood, as arrangements were quickly put in place to cater for those most in need. 

The Guyana Relief Council (GRC) is reported to be taking care of senior citizens who resided at the Uncle Eddie’s Home in Georgetown.

According to the Chairperson of the GRC, Yvonne Hinds, the council was forced to moved the residents from the home which is affected by the flood, adding that the GRC is taking care of some 65 persons and children. They are all being provided secure and dry lodging quarters and hot meals. 

Minister of Public Works and Hydraulics, Anthony Xavier said efforts are being made to "pump away" the remaining water as quickly as possible. He visited Mahaicony where he was able to acquire two additional pumps for this purpose. 

“One will be dispatched to the Kitty pump station and the other will either be placed along the East Coast or in the city. It depends which area needs it more,” the Minister said.

Due to the many problems caused by the flood the Education Department in Georgetown has announced that all schools in the district are closed until next Monday.

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