Guyana: Heavy rainfall brings flooding in areas of Georgetown May 13

Event

Flooding affects several areas of Georgetown as of Wednesday, May 13, following several days of sustained heavy rainfall in and around the capital. Much of the flooding has been reported along the Avenue of the Republic, where the city's central canal burst its banks; other districts, including Alberttown, Queenstown, North, South, and East Ruimveldt, Albouystown, and Lacytown, have also been impacted.

According to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), floodwaters have begun to recede as of May 13, but many areas remain at risk of further flooding over the near term. Lingering transportation disruptions are to be expected in flooded areas.

Context

Guyana faces an increased risk of flooding during the May to August rainy season, with numerous areas of the country proving particularly vulnerable to consistent amounts of heavy rainfall. Catastrophic flooding has generally been reported every few years after multiple days of storms, including in the capital where irrigation systems struggle to cope with large amounts of surface water.

Advice

Those in Georgetown and other affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions, anticipate transportation and business disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.