Spring tide complicates operating time for sluices during La Nina rains

May 06, 2012 News

While a number of coastal residents became concerned on Thursday evening when they experienced heavy downpours, Region Ten was the hardest hit area. Water measuring over 100mm at specific locations in Linden flooded the area.
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, during a press briefing at his Ministry on Friday stated that the areas of the heaviest intensity of rainfall in Region Ten were Wismar where it measured more than 160mm, Watooka with 131mm and Ebini which recorded more than 125mm.
These areas were monitored from between 20:00 hrs on Thursday and 08:00 hours on Friday.
According to Dr. Ramsammy the La Nina Phenomenon continues to contribute to the weather pattern. The present situation is now complicated with the arrival of the spring tide. This means that the sluices would have shorter operating time due to the spring tide.
Currently, the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) is being maintained between 55GD and 56GD in preparation for the above mentioned periods.
He noted that many areas in Region Four experienced more than 100mm of rainfall in the same period, led by Maduni with 147 mm, Strathavon’s 138mm, Bee Hive where it was 137mm and at Lama with 123mm. Georgetown averaged 73mm in this period also.
Regions Three, Five and Six experienced rainfall which was measured between 60mm and 100mm.
For Regions One and Two there was between 20mm and 60mm of rainfall.
Flash floods were experienced in Linden and this has propelled the relevant authorities to have special mechanisms put in place to commence emergency clearing works at the Hymara and Cacatara creeks.
Kaieteur News understands that there have been some parts in Region Six that also experienced flooding. Black Bush Polder was one.
There have been no reports of flooding from Region Five however water continues to rise in various canals.
Also, no reports of flood have been had from Region Two, and in Region Three while there is no flooding, the water levels in Windsor Forest and Canal Polders One and Two have risen.
Meanwhile there was some flash flooding in Georgetown.
One specific area of concern for authorities on the East Coast Demerara was the Greenfield-Bee Hive area where the situation is currently being monitored.
This newspaper was told that a contract was given for the cleaning of internal drains and secondary drains in the said area.
However, the shrubs and grass removed were somehow put into the secondary drains and that flowed towards the pump basin because the sluice could not be opened during the spring tide.
Meanwhile this pump cannot be utilized at the moment but the Ministry is working to correct the situation.
All other pumps in various areas are said to be operational minus one at Ankerville, Berbice, where the pump has not been working for a temporary period.
Necessary repairs which included the replacement of a specific part of the pump were conducted and it is expected that this pump is up and running by Sunday.

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