Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: A few drops of rain on Friday turned into showers which later became a prolonged downpour which lasted for most of the morning, leaving the capital of Guyana, Georgetown, and several parts of the coast flooded.
Some city officials told Caribbean Net News that this was the worst flooding they had ever seen in the city.
Guyana's Minister with responsibility for Transport and Hydraulics Cari Anthony Xavier said the pumps and sluices in and around the city were all working and this resulted in the quick receding of the water.
The popular National Cultural Centre on Homestretch Avenue which was forced to close its doors recently due to flooding was once again hit and suffered further damage due to Friday's deluge.
Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, Gail Teixeira told Caribbean Net News that workers battled the floodwaters for several hours in order to protect the integrity of the building.
"They were able to control the situation until about 11 am when the sheer force of the water saw the heavy build-up outside forcing its way into the centre," said Teixeira.
Workers had been on the job since 5:00 a.m. Saturday with the assistance of a pump to keep the water level around the centre low but the force of the water eventually overpowered all efforts. All that the Minister and the centre's manager, Gladwin Saul along with the workers could do was watch helplessly as water poured into the building, flooding the auditorium.
Officials told Caribbean Net News that work was in "full swing" getting the centre ready for next month.
The pouring showers and resulting flood waters made all city markets and many business places no-go zones. The popular Bourda Market suffering the most, while homes and business premises were turned into waterways, with sandbags, brooms and buckets high in demand.
Even the National Communications Network (NCN) Radio was forced off the air by the heavy flooding when water breached the studio and every other room at its High Street location up to a foot in depth.
Meanwhile a number of youths from the Albouystown area reportedly found time to dig out the pot-holes in the road so the cars would stop, and they allegedly openly robbed the unsuspecting drivers. Gunshots were also heard in the area, it was reported.
Meanwhile police confirmed to Caribbean Net News that the flooding created some very serious problems but assured that all reports are being investigated.
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