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Rice farmers put on high alert as spring tides loom

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THE Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has advised all rice farmers along the coastal belt to take the necessary precautionary measures as another series of high tides approaches.

According to the forecast, high tides will occur from October 25 through November 1, 2019. On Monday, October 28, at 16:13hrs, it is expected that the effects will be most felt with the waters being at the height of 3.31 metres.

General Manager of the GRDB, Nizam Hassan, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the agency has recommended that rice farmers, whose paddy crops are ready to be harvested, should do so immediately; this is due to the possibility of their crops being destroyed by saltwater inundation.

“One of the things the farmers can immediately do is harvest this paddy. Especially given that there is a possibility that this paddy could be lost with any inundation of the saltwater.” Hassan also advised farmers with produce 10 to 12 days ahead of the harvesting period to do so before the high tide. “Secondly, if farmers have paddy that is 10 to 12 days before the harvesting period, I am advised by my technical personnel that they should go ahead and harvest that paddy.”

Referring specifically to farmers in low-lying and riverine regions, the general manager suggested that dams surrounding the rice beds should be raised. He noted that this will possibly prevent the access of water. “Any inlets into the rice field should be properly sealed from the intrusion of saltwater into the land, and then they can also raise the areas around the rice fields to prevent any of the saltwater from getting into the rice fields.” The GRDB general manager added that farmers can invest in other locations, while emphasising clearly that these areas must not be prone to flooding.

Safeguard yourselves against water-borne illness

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 – CMO urges ahead of spring tide

ANOTHER spring tide is expected on October 26 and is likely to affect some coastal and low-lying communities. This can pose a risk of water-borne diseases to persons who may come into contact with the water. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, of the Ministry of Public Health, has advised what measures residents, in these areas, can implement to avoid contracting water-borne diseases.

“One of the greatest risks with intermittent flooding like this is usually it pushes all those pests like rats, snakes and those sorts of creatures to higher ground and some of them invade homes… the issue of leptospirosis is still one that is of concern to public health, so ensuring that you protect all water sources, all your drinking water supplies and food supplies are very critical.”

Dr. Persaud also emphasised that persons must avoid coming into contact with floodwaters. However, if there is need to be in the water, persons must protect themselves at all times. “We usually advise that you wear long boots wherever possible… you wash correctly, and there are some small measures like applying Vaseline to the legs which help to reduce the penetration. If you have any wounds, treat and clean them and keep them covered.”
Further, persons are being advised to adopt safety measures which will guarantee they have clean water for household purposes. Water treatment such as boiling and adding bleach are reliable measures recommended the public health ministry. Also, water containers must be covered at all times.

The CMO noted that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has been doing their part to ensure that their supply of water to residents is not compromised.

“GWI has been working with us to ensure that the water pressure within the distribution network is maintained. Even in the last episodes along Den Amstel and in parts of Region Five, they have upped the chlorine levels in the water that was distributed to maintain a high enough pressure in the distribution network. When the pressure drops, dirty water can be sucked into the line and pumped to your homes.”

There are other ways to prevent water contamination. One such method is through proper waste and garbage disposal, especially during this expected springtide period. Persons can ensure that garbage is secured in plastic bags and waterproof receptacles, like drums/barrels, with a thick covering until it can be disposed of later.

Dr. Persaud also advised that the most effective way to ensure that you are protected from water-borne diseases is by ensuring everyone in your household is vaccinated. “For adults, we strongly recommend that they get a Hepatitis B vaccine along with MMR [Measles Mumps Rubella], a Yellow Fever and the Diphtheria Tetanus. These are the four vaccines adults must ensure they are covered with to be protected.”

In areas prone to being affected by projected springtides, the health centres are equipped with the necessary medicine and emergency supplies. Also, these health facilities may serve as relief facilities if there is a need.

During the recent spring tides in late September, Environmental Health Workers visited the affected areas in Region Five and Region Three. The visit was conducted to render services to residents and to ensure that there were proper sanitation and disposal of waste and other items damaged or lost due to the flooding. (DPI)

IN OTHER WORDS , YOU DEH PUN YU OWN!

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