Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Mar 03, 2015 News
…community struck by severe dry spell
Lethem residents said it was “quite a phenomenon” when just before mid-day yesterday, as the sun rose to its highest point in the sky, it became consumed by a huge black ring which was outlined by a rainbow-like
multi-coloured circle. The sight was strange and while many residents stood in awe, and others took photographs, uncertainty and fear were openly expressed.
Unusual weather patterns have been the highlight of the interior location for more than two weeks, local resident, Shirley Melville told Kaieteur News yesterday. However, the bizarre occurrence with the sun has now become the topic of discussion.
It was identified as a sun halo, an optical phenomenon that had occurred. This is produced by light interacting with ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere, resulting in a wide variety of coloured or white rings, arcs and spots in the sky. Many of the halos are said to occur near the sun or moon and often signal that rain will come soon.
Melville told the newspaper that the Lethem community has been experiencing a severe dry spell that is drying up wells across the area and causing residents to seek alternate water sources. At nights, the strong howling wind is another feature of concern for residents.
Around 11:30 hours, Melville said, she was in the vicinity of the Lethem airstrip when she along with other residents noticed the huge rings around the sun. She averaged that the black ring was at least hundreds of feet wide and the rainbow circle was half that size. The ground was arid and the atmosphere extremely hot, she said.
Around this time last year, the weather was much the same, but the residents had not experienced this change with the sun. She said that it was during this dry period that her well had dried up.
The Lethem resident said that for more than the 40 years she lived in the community, it was the first time she had seen the well run dry. She said that her well is some 30 feet deep and not one drop of water was left during the dry spell. To make things better she said she added another six feet to the water catchment but already the supply is running low.
With only “sprinkles” of rainfall, the woman said that it is not enough to maintain the water supply. Since early last month, the well started drying up and it has been the same thing with other residents. She said, too, that it is becoming costly to maintain her water supply. “Persons are asking for four to five thousand dollars per foot (to dig the well) and right now I have to purchase drinking water.”
Melville said that the community would welcome any rainfall since the dry spell does not seem to be letting up. (Zena Henry)
Please share this to every Guyanese including your house cats.
Apr 19, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar all-round performance to lead her team to a commanding 113-run victory over Pakistan Women in the first One Day...Kaieteur News – For years, the disciples of Bharrat Jagdeo have woven a narrative of economic success during his tenure... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]