Flooding in the Pomeroon is at a critical level, the Ministry of Agriculture said last evening.
“The situation in the Pomeroon remains critical with water levels still high up to 2 feet. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority] has sent a pontoon and excavator to Region 2 to assist in clearing out-fall channel(s),” the ministry said in an update last evening.
There was also high water levels in the Lima and Devonshire Castle areas in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).
Yesterday’s rainfall, according to the ministry, also showed high levels in Region Two.
It said that the highest recorded rainfall for the last 24 hours was 86.4 mm which was reported at Kabakaburi in Region 2. Other notable values were reported at Capoey, Region 2, which recorded 16.4 mm, Paradise in Region 2, which recorded 12.5 mm, Wakapoa in Region 2, which recorded 12.3 mm, Supenaam in Region 2, which recorded 14.5mm and St Denny’s Mission in Region 2 recorded 18.0mm.
The update added that there is also flooding in Region One (Barima/Waini). Flooding has been reported in Habadai, Hopatai, Hotoquai, lower reaches of the Barima River, Aruka River, Aruau River, Karabo River and lower Kaituma.
Water levels were also high in parts of regions 3, 4 and 5, the ministry said.
The predominantly farming area is prone to flooding following persistent rainfall. The villages along the Pomeroon River have experienced severe flood conditions in the past, caused mainly by excessive rainfall as well as the effects of spring tides.
In 2010, a number of farmers along the banks of the Pomeroon River lost dozens of acres of produce. Ground provisions and cash crops as well as coconuts are predominantly cultivated in the area.
Guyana has experienced heavy downpours within the past week and the Agriculture Ministry advised yesterday that as La Nina conditions prevail over the country, residents living at low lying areas should take all necessary precautions as the weather phenomenon persists until. The weather pattern is forecasted to subside in the month of March.
