Heavy rainfall, flooding force closure of govt-run schools in G/town, East Coast, East Bank Dem.

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 21:00 by GxMedia

All government schools in Georgetown and the East Coast Demerara have been ordered closed due to heavy incessant rainfall overnight, a Ministry of Educations spokeswoman confirmed.

Residents along several coastal area on Wednesday woke up to flooded yards, lower flats, streets and even roads due to heavy incessant rainfall.

While several huge pumps have been activated, gravity drainage into the sea and rivers is not expected until around 6 PM Wednesday.

The last low tide was at 4:39 Wednesday morning. Since then, the tide has been rising again and is not expected to drop again until 5:38 PM.

Forecasters attribute the heavy rainfall to the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). “Rain and more rain” is expected, but Guyanese can expect a slight ease on Thursday.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Agriculture advised the General public that the current heavy downpour has resulted in parts of Regions 3 and 4 under water. Currently, the NDIA, Ministry of Agriculture and the Region Administrations are taking all measures to ensure that the water recedes effectively.

Thus far, all Kokers in these areas are functioning to ensure that the water effectively drains off-land in a timely manner. However, the NDIA is cautioning persons to assist by unblocking all internal drains in residential areas.

The Ministry of Agriculture would also like to assure the public that the situation is under control and for persons to be responsible and not to incite a panic mode.

Cabinet Ministers and other Government officials, and engineers will also be visiting affected areas.

Residents in low lying and riverine areas are being asked to take precautionary measures against rising water levels.

Kindly contact the Ministry of Agriculture on hotline number 227-5049/223-7291, if the need arises.