The Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometorlogical Service has predicted that this year’s May-June rainfall is expected to be higher than normal.
In a release this morning, the agency said the highest rainfall totals and the possibility of flash floods during this season are expected to peak in May and June.
The Hydromet Office noted that as the season progresses, water levels in the conservancies, reservoirs, and rivers across all Regions are likely to increase.
“The potential of flooding because of rain during this period is also expected to increase throughout May and June 2022. The highest amount of rainfall can be expected in Regions 3, 7, 8, and 10. However, all other Regions can still expect higher than normal rainfall values,” the statement said.
Heavy rainfall beginning in mid-May last year caused extensive flooding in communities, farmlands, and roadways throughout Guyana.
The flooding as a result of the rainfall last year was declared as the worse flood situation in Guyana’s history—impacting more than 36,000 households, and displacing approximately 1,000 households. Shelters were set up in several regions for those displaced, especially in regions 7, 8 and 10.
“The bulletin also noted that an increasing number of wet days and wet spells coupled with high tides could lead to water accumulation in Coastal Regions and disruption to transport and possibility of landslides in hinterland areas. Flooding can lead to loss of crops and livestock, contamination of surface water, breeding grounds for mosquitos and the proliferation of waterborne diseases,” The Hydromet office said.
The Hydrometeorological Service has recommended the continued maintenance of drainage infrastructure as the country transitions into the wet season and has urged farmers to take all necessary precautions to secure their crops and livestock.
The Service said it will provide updates to its seasonal forecast as new information becomes available and recommends that special attention be paid to short-range forecasts provided to plan daily farm activities.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login