10 Jun 2021 | 11:05 AM UTC
Guyana: Further adverse weather and widespread flooding forecast across Guyana through at least June 13
Further heavy rainfall, flooding, thunderstorms, and landslides forecast across Guyana through at least June 13.
Event
Further heavy rainfall, flooding, thunderstorms, and landslides are forecast to occur nationwide through at least June 13. As of June 10, the Hydrometeorological Service has issued a severe weather advisory for thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and landslides across the country. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Flooding had been reported across all regions, with more than 250,000 households impacted. Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region 10) has been the worst hit, with 90 residents evacuated to emergency shelters.
The heavy rain could exacerbate the extensive flooding across Guyana; storms will be capable of producing heavy downpours and damaging winds across the affected area through at least June 13. Should sustained heavy rainfall occur, it could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.
Health
Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, and cholera. The threat of these disease outbreaks is usually elevated in low-income or underdeveloped areas of major urban centers due to incomplete or open sewer lines. The latent threat of waterborne contaminants from inundated industrial sites cannot be discounted; exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Advice
Confirm flights. Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area through at least June 10. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Review contingency plans. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks. Keep any necessary medications in a waterproof container.
