Ministry warns again about heavy rain

More rain is expected during the course of this week with cloudy to overcast conditions and showers likely to prevail particularly during the early morning hours along the coast, the Ministry of Agriculture says.

In a press release, the Ministry said that its Hydrometeorological Service would like to remind citizens that the seasonal rainfall is projected to be active with above average rainfall amounts and it is also very likely that there will be periodic heavy downpours within the season.

Cloudy conditions, with showers in the early morning are likely to prevail over the next few days with possible outbursts of thunder, the statement said. The ministry revealed that rainfall recorded between 8am last Friday and 8am last Saturday ranged from 1mm to 121.7 mm. “Data available indicated that Vryheid’s Lust recorded 121.7mm, Ogle 107.7 mm and the City of Georgetown recorded 90 mm in 24 hours. The intense downpour was generally concentrated in Regions 3 and 4”, the statement said.

It noted that there have been reports of minor flooding in outlying regions and as such the Ministry’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority continues to monitor and undertake critical drainage works in vulnerable areas to reduce flooding.

It advised farmers and residents, particularly those in low-lying and vulnerable areas to take necessary precautions against flooding.