December rains have begun

Nov 25, 2008 News

Farmers and residents living in low-lying and vulnerable areas are being asked to take precautions against flooding, as the December/January rains have begun.

Recent satellite pictures and meteorological analysis charts suggest that the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is progressively moving towards the south, showing that the seasonal rains have commenced.

The most recent statistical and forecast models indicate there are reasonably high probabilities of above average rainfall in Guyana during this coming wet season.

It is very likely that high intensity rainfall and extreme rainfall could occur during the wet season, the local hydrometeorological service said yesterday.

Coastal, near inland and central locations are expected to be affected earlier, while extreme southern locations are likely to experience the anticipated wet conditions later.

According to data received, 33.7 mm of rainfall was recorded within six hours in Georgetown, which resulted in the accumulation of water in sections of the city.

Yesterday, a Ministry of Agriculture report stated that there have been no reports of flooding in outlying regions, but a sluice door malfunctioned at Brickery, East Bank Demerara.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority has since responded to the report, and works are currently ongoing to rectify the structure.

Meanwhile, the NDIA will continue to monitor all drainage and irrigation structures and pumps across the country to ensure those are functioning efficiently.