Flash floods cause disruption of schools in Guyana

in Guyana

Following a night of heavy rains, government schools in Guyana were pronounced closed last Wednesday, as the country was affected by flash floods.{{more}}

Various areas, including main roads in Georgetown were seen covered with water, as persons tried to go about their daily routine.

A release from the Ministry of Health on November 27 advised the general public to pay special attention to water safety and personal hygiene.

“If you are living in flooded areas, stay out of the water as much as possible, as it can greatly reduce your chances of contracting diseases such as skin infections, leptospirosis, diarrhoeal diseases and other water-borne diseases. Keep children out of water as they are at risk of contracting diseases,” the release said.

Additional safety tips were included in the release from the Ministry.

These included washing your feet with a “half cup of bleach to 1 bucket of water” and washing “your feet before entering the house, then apply Vaseline or oil to your skin as it forms a barrier and provides some protection from the dirty water”.

Persons were also advised to use safe water for everyday uses, cook food thoroughly and to keep all food items from coming in contact with flood waters.

Keeping an eye out for animals such as snakes and centipedes that may have been flooded out of their homes and inspecting electrical breakers were also included in the release.

In cases of illness, persons were asked to visit the Georgetown Public Hospital or the nearest health centre.