Local Government Minister reports on response to Rupununi flooding
 Local Government Minister reports on response to Rupununi flooding |
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| Monday, 14 May 2012 21:53 |
| …says if inundation continues, persons would have to be evacuated THE persons who were seriously affected by the flooding in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) are still in the shelters that were identified by authorities. But, when the water recedes, they will be able to return to their homes. Meantime, there have been reports of damages to some farmlands and crops and the assessment by Government is continuing, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Ganga Persaud reported yesterday. He told the media, at his Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown office, that the ministry is receiving updates two times a day from the competent regional authorities. Persaud commended the latter, along with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), for the quick response and extended sympathy to the residents who suffered loss. He said Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS) also organised support to provide potable water to residents and the Regional Health Officers (RHOs) had several of the detergents and other items necessary to deal with the situation. Persaud said the Lethem Power and Light Company ensured it had enough fuel for a prolonged period and both of the pumps in Lethem are functioning. Last Thursday, when he updated the National Assembly on the flooding in Region Nine, the minister indicated that the third meeting of the Regional Disaster Committee was held that day, chaired by the Regional Chairman. FUNCTIONING COMMITTEES Persaud informed that four functioning committees were established to deal with logistics, communications, administration and shelter management. Stakeholders involved include Regional Councillors located in Lethem, Police, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), GRCS, Rupununi Chamber of Commerce, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Lethem Power and Light Company, among others. Persaud also said an office has been established at the Regional Guest House to monitor and evaluate developments. In Central Lethem, at St. Ignatius, the water was rising but not as rapidly as on Wednesday evening, he said, adding that, at Tabatinga, also in Rupununi, it was in the yards of a few homes, especially those close to the creek. Persaud explained that, if this inundation continues, persons would have to be evacuated. In preparation for such an eventuality, several shelters were identified at the Arapaima Primary School, Culvert City Nursery Annexe, Christian Brethren Rest House, Caretaker’s Quarters, Regional Guest House, Government Quarters R15 and R 28 and Beverly Hills Quarters, the minister announced. He said one boat has been placed at the Lethem/St. Ignatius bridge and additional boats will be at different points to facilitate persons across flooded areas. ADEQUATE DRUGS Garbage bags, bleach and Jeyes fluid have been distributed to persons close to the Tabatinga Creek, while adequate drugs are available in the event of the outbreak of water-borne diseases, Persaud reported. He recalled that, between 05:30 hrs and 07:30 hrs on Thursday, heavy rain in the Lethem area, plus the overflowing of the Rio Branco River in neighbouring Brazil, resulted in the continued rising of water. The GWI pump station at Culvert City, which was flooded, would have been shut off if the water continued to rise and the second pump at Bon Success will continue to supply Lethem and environs. A standby generator has been made available in case of difficulties at the Lethem Power Company. While road users have indicated that some bridges pose a threat to heavy vehicles, the Ministry of Public Works has been informed and is assessing the status situation but overpasses at Lethem, St. Ignatius and Moco Moco are covered with water and approaches to them inundated. The Kumu Bridge is covered and, at Manari, the approach has been washed away from a small bridge. However, emergency works have already commenced there. At Sand Creek, 11 households have been evacuated and water began receding in the Rupununi River. At Karasabai, light rains continued and the four bridges leading into the area were under water, while part of the newly constructed road has been washed away. No outbreak of illnesses has been reported and basic medical supplies are adequate, he assured. |
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2011 observed
On October 13, 2011, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) observed International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2011, by hosting a youth and child friendly exhibition at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia.
The exhibition commemorated with an opening ceremony which featured speeches and presentations from key persons such as the Director General, Colonel (retired) Chabilall Ramsarup, CDC, Ms. Dorothy Fraser, Secretary General, Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS) and a dramatic presentation entitled “Step Up for Disaster Risk Reduction”, by the Peer Educators of Youth Challenge Guyana.
The United Nations Secretary General’s message on International Disaster Risk Reduction Day was delivered by Mr. Ian Jones, Emergency Specialist, UNICEF. In his message, the Secretary General urged everyone to make disaster risk reduction an everyday concern. He also reflected on the many efforts that were being made by children around the world and advised that these practices be emulated to decrease the fast growing vulnerability to disaster by considering how our actions increase risks and turn danger into catastrophe.
The Civil Defence Commission’s website was offically launched at the Opening Ceremony of the exhibition by Captain Kester Craig, Operations and Training Officer, CDC. Patrons were encouraged to use the new and improved user friendly interface as a means of getting more information on the Civil Defence Commission, as well as Disaster Preparedness and management in and around the Caribbean, and what agencies like the CDC are doing to reduce the vulnerabilities of persons who are at risk.
Several school children and youth attended the exhibition, representing schools such as Providence Primary, La Bonne Intention (LBI) Secondary and students from the University of Guyana. Students in attendance were particularly interested in displays by the National Drainage and Irrigation Association (NDIA), which included an automated model of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) and the Hope Canal. Other eye-catching displays included those by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, who used an activity window to educate and entertain students. There were also remarkable displays such as the CDC Search and Rescue Centre and the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) which triggered many questions and much excitement from students. Other ‘high science’ exhibits such as those by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Centre for Education and Research Development (NCERD) drew the interest of young science lovers. The crowd favourite however, was ‘Riskland’, a special game, similar to that of snake and ladders, that teaches risk reduction. All the students flocked the area to participate in this very informative game.
As the year 2011 begins to unwind, the CDC and partner organizations wish to continue to encourage all to make Disaster Risk Reduction an everyday concern and to focus particularly on educating and preparing children and youth so as to lessen their vulnerabilities in the event of a disaster.
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2011 observed (2)
On October 13, 2011, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) observed International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2011, by hosting a youth and child friendly exhibition at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia.
The exhibition commemorated with an opening ceremony which featured speeches and presentations from key persons such as the Director General, Colonel (retired) Chabilall Ramsarup, CDC, Ms. Dorothy Fraser, Secretary General, Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS) and a dramatic presentation entitled “Step Up for Disaster Risk Reduction”, by the Peer Educators of Youth Challenge Guyana.
The United Nations Secretary General’s message on International Disaster Risk Reduction Day was delivered by Mr. Ian Jones, Emergency Specialist, UNICEF. In his message, the Secretary General urged everyone to make disaster risk reduction an everyday concern. He also reflected on the many efforts that were being made by children around the world and advised that these practices be emulated to decrease the fast growing vulnerability to disaster by considering how our actions increase risks and turn danger into catastrophe.
The Civil Defence Commission’s website was offically launched at the Opening Ceremony of the exhibition by Captain Kester Craig, Operations and Training Officer, CDC. Patrons were encouraged to use the new and improved user friendly interface as a means of getting more information on the Civil Defence Commission, as well as Disaster Preparedness and management in and around the Caribbean, and what agencies like the CDC are doing to reduce the vulnerabilities of persons who are at risk.
Several school children and youth attended the exhibition, representing schools such as Providence Primary, La Bonne Intention (LBI) Secondary and students from the University of Guyana. Students in attendance were particularly interested in displays by the National Drainage and Irrigation Association (NDIA), which included an automated model of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) and the Hope Canal. Other eye-catching displays included those by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, who used an activity window to educate and entertain students. There were also remarkable displays such as the CDC Search and Rescue Centre and the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) which triggered many questions and much excitement from students. Other ‘high science’ exhibits such as those by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Centre for Education and Research Development (NCERD) drew the interest of young science lovers. The crowd favourite however, was ‘Riskland’, a special game, similar to that of snake and ladders, that teaches risk reduction. All the students flocked the area to participate in this very informative game.
As the year 2011 begins to unwind, the CDC and partner organizations wish to continue to encourage all to make Disaster Risk Reduction an everyday concern and to focus particularly on educating and preparing children and youth so as to lessen their vulnerabilities in the event of a disaster.
CDC to host exhibition for Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2011
On Thursday, Guyana will join the rest of the world in observing International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, designated by the United Nations.
This year, the day will be celebrated under the theme, ‘Making Children and Youth Partners in Disaster Risk Reduction”.
The Civil Defence Commission will host a series of events to coincide with the theme. The main event will be a grand exhibition on Thursday at the Sophia Exhibition Centre (Annex Building).
Read more: CDC to host exhibition for Disaster Risk Reduction Day 2011
Making children, youth partners in Disaster Risk Reduction
ON Thursday, October 13, Guyana will join the rest of the world in observing International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. This year, the spotlight is on youths, aiming at ‘ Making Children & Youth Partners in Disaster Risk Reduction ...’
What is Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)?
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyse and reduce the causal factors of disasters. It involves reducing exposure to hazards, lessening vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment and improving preparedness for adverse events. DRR aims to reduce socio-economic vulnerabilities to disaster as well as deal with the environmental and other hazards that trigger them.
Read more: Making children, youth partners in Disaster Risk Reduction
Schools reopen in flood hit Region 9
- Assessment of losses ongoing, Regional Chairman
THE flood waters continue to recede and schools reopened yesterday as Region 9 (Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo) advances its recovery effort; and Regional Chairman Clarendo Lucas said an assessment of the losses is ongoing.
The shelters at Arapaima Primary School, Culvert City Nursery School and Christian Brethren were evacuated Sunday as residents returned home.
“The after effects of the flood, the damage that it left behind, is what is most worrying and over the next days we will be working to get a picture of the losses that residents suffered,” he said.
According to him, the challenge will be the support for those families that have lost entire crops to the flood.
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