Guyana – Government Distributes Relief Supplies to Flood Victims in 7 Regions

Authorities in Guyana are distributing relief supplies to flood victims across 7 regions, the government announced on 30 May, 2021.

Floods in Mahaicony Creek, Region 5, Guyana, May 2021. Photo: Government of Guyana

The current floods began around mid-May. Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in Guyana reported flooding in the regions of Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region 10), East Berbice-Corentyne (Region 6) and Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9) from 11 May 2021. As of 21 May over 1,380 homes were flooded, crops and livestock damaged and some families evacuated. CDC distributed over 1,000 food parcels to affected areas.

CDC has established shelters to accommodate affected residents in Lethem, Region 9 with additional shelters to be established in Kwakwani and other affected communities along the Berbice River.

Meanwhile the town of Bartica in Region 7 Cuyuni-Mazaruni, which sits at the confluence of the Cuyuni and Mazaruni Rivers with the Essequibo River, was flooded from around 25 May. Media said parts of the town were under flood water 1 metre deep affecting dozens of families.

Heavy rainfall 26 to 27 May 2021, combined with a high tide, caused flooding in the region of Barima-Waini (Region 1). Local officials said hundreds of families were affected in Mabaruma, Port Kaituma and Moruca. Guyana’s Hydrometeorological Service reported 138.7 mm of rain in Kumaka, Region 1, in 24 hours to 26 May 2021.

Also recently affected are parts of Mahaica-Berbice (Region 5) mostly after flooding along the Mahaicony River; and Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region 2), after flooding from the Pomeroon River which has affected over 1,000 residents officials said. Parts of Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica) were also affected, including areas surrounding the capital Georgetown.

The government announced on 30 May 2021 that in an effort to ensure that affected residents receive adequate food, clothing and shelter, thousands of food and cleaning hampers have been distributed in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10.

Floods in Mahaicony Creek, Region 5, Guyana, May 2021. Photo: Government of Guyana
Floods in Guyana, May 2021. Photo: Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in Guyana
Floods in Guyana, May 2021. Photo: Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in Guyana
Floods in Guyana, May 2021. Photo: Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in Guyana