CDC provides relief to flood-hit Coomacka residents

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) were commended for their timely response to the flood-affected community of Coomacka, Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice (Region 10), on Saturday.

Byron Kendall, District Community Development Officer, Region 10, told DPI that this is an issue the community faces annually during the rainy season.

“We must say special thanks to the CDC for responding so quickly to this immediate emergency. This distribution will be of great assistance to those affected in the community,” Kendall noted.

On Friday, yards and homes were inundated with water after heavy rainfall would have caused the Demerara River over-topped and flooded homes.

CDC Director-General, Lt Col. Kester Craig disclosed that Coomacka is one of the flood-prone areas which is constantly monitored. He explained that the commission was made aware of the situation through its National Emergency Monitoring System.

“We allowed the community to respond through their disaster mechanism and also the region so today it’s a culmination of community level, regional level and national level response,” Lt Col. Craig stated.

The CDC donated a number of hampers containing cleaning and sanitation items which will assist affected residents in cleaning their homes and surroundings.

Because Coomacka is flood-prone, a previously detailed drone assessment was done to pinpoint the source of the soil erosion and how it affects the Demerara River.

According to Lt. Col., Craig funding was provided to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority who desilted sections of the river. The NDIA also built mounds to reduce the impact of the erosion.

These measures will be assessed over the next few weeks to ascertain whether it has had an impact in reducing the floods. This, the CDC head stated will shape the next steps going forward.

The Civil Defence Commission continues to monitor the situation along the coast and in the Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo region (Region 9).  Residents in flood-prone communities are urged to take all the necessary precautions.

 To report flooding, contact the CDC’s 24 hours National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 623.1700, 600.7500, 226.1114. (Department of Public Information)