Several villages in Guyana flooded

The Guyana government Friday said that higher than usual tides have caused flooding in several villages along the West Coast Demerara.

A government statement noted that the floods have affected areas such as Uitvlugt, Stewartville and Leonora and that the Leonora Cottage Hospital has also been affected.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings as well as a team from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and officials from the Civil Defense Commission have gone to the area “assessing the situation, distributing supplies and sandbags”.

The statement said that the Guyana Fire Service is also assisting in cleaning and securing the Leonora Cottage Hospital and is also assisting with the distribution of sandbags.

The statement added that another high tide is forecast for 3.00 pm (local time) “and overtopping is also expected along with flooding.

“Residents in the affected areas are asked to take all necessary precautions and to stay away from the seawall and sea dams during the high tide. Residents should also avoid all unnecessary contact with flood waters.

“Precautions should include moving all animals and poultry to higher ground, elevating furniture, appliances, electronic equipment and other valuables in lower flats, unplugging all appliances and electrical equipment in lower flats and using sand bags around doors to buildings.