Cattle stranded in flood waters

Dec 31, 2008 News

Hundreds of cattle have been left stranded aback of Black Bush Polder, Albion Estate and other backland areas in Berbice.
On Monday, an aerial view of the communities showed hundreds of animals standing in flooded fields and on soggy dams. Others were sitting and the situation repeated itself behind Albion Estate.
There is a huge accumulation of water in the backlands and, given the nature of animals, many will die before long, said one farmer.

Flooded areas aback Albion, Berbice

While there have not been any reports of a breach of the Conservancy Dam, evident nonetheless was an enormous mass of water between the Conservancy Dam and Crown Dam. The savannah south of the East Demerara Water Conservancy was also a sea of water trying to reach the front lands and giving rise to the fear that the coast can expect further flooding in the coming days.
Sugar cane and rice fields were flooded beyond capacity, with some of these farmlands having water accumulated to the height of dams.
Speaking with Kaieteur News on the situation, Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, said that there are about 10 teams across the regions that are tasked with identifying high spots within the savannahs and removing the animals to other areas.
Veterinarians are also advising farmers and providing dietary supplements and in some cases providing grass to feed the animals to minimise mortality.
During the rainy season, farmers are usually advised to relocate their animals to higher grounds, he added.
Many of the lands where the animals are being kept are not suitable for such activities, the Minister noted.
“That is the reason why we have been encouraging the development of pastures,” he said.
According to the Minister, while the animals can survive in the water for a few days, their lives become threatened when they have to spend weeks in the water.
Persaud visited the Mahaica and Mahaicony Rivers yesterday where he met with residents and farmers affected by the current heavy rainfall, particularly in the upper reaches of the creeks, and conducted an assessment of the situation.