French Guiana: Heavy rainfall causes flooding across the territory May 6

Event

As of Wednesday, May 6, heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding and infrastructural damage throughout French Guiana. On Sunday, May 3, French Guiana authorities evacuated 139 residents from flooded areas in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, after the heaviest rainfall in 30 years hit French Guiana. In the southeast, the heavy rain caused the Oyapock river to burst its banks on Monday, May 4, flooding the village of Camopi, near the Brazilian border. The floods caused the village to be cut off, requiring an airlift of supplies to be sent from Cayenne, the capital. As of Wednesday, flooding has also caused the closure of Route Nationale 1 between Tonate and Kourou in both directions between 17:00 and 07:00 (local time), as well as around Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.

Heavy rain and storm warnings are in place until Thursday, May 7, at the earliest, although the rainy season is expected to last until the end of July. Further associated disruptions are likely in the coming weeks and months. 

Advice

Individuals in the 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.