Houses washed away as Region Eight villages affected by flooding

Several families are affected by heavy flooding in the villages of Chenapow, Kaibarupai, Sand Hill and Waipa in Region Eight as a result of the overtopping of surrounding rivers.

News Room was able to make contact with Toshao of Chenapow Village, Edward McGarrell who disclosed that though the rain has stopped, water continues to rise in a section of the village, forcing residents to flee to higher ground.

In some cases, only the roofs of homes are visible while one house has been so far washed away.

The Government last evening (Wednesday, May 17, 2017) noted that through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), it is actively assessing the sudden incidence of flooding in the region eight villages.

“More than 30 persons, who were trained by the CDC in Disaster Risk Reduction are present in the region and have been called upon to render assistance while the CDC has contacted and asked the regional officials and members of the joint services to conduct an assessment in the affected areas,” the statement said.

According to preliminary information received nine houses, six farms and the airstrip are under water in Kaibarupai with over 150 residents being affected, while 85 percent of Waipa is said to be under water as a result of the overtopping of several rivers, including the Ireng River, in the area.

However, the Amerindian Peoples’ Association (APA) says “10 houses have been washed away in Waipa and more than 20 under water.” It added that “Kaibarupai is hit harder with a landslide causing the Ireng River to sweep away their belongings” while their Health Centre is about 4 feet under water.

The APA says it has been trying to get an update from the CDC in pointing out the desperation of the communities needing assistance, adding that while recognising the need for an assessment, the response has been extremely slow.

It added that the response from the CDC Head, Col. Chabilall Ramsarup was “No one will die in one day” and that ‘they are working on it” when efforts were made to inquire about assistance.

Both the Government and the APA have promised to provide details as it becomes available.