PARAMARIBO, Suriname – Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in the interior of this Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, affecting thousands of people, disaster officials have said.
Floods in the interior of Suriname (CMC Photo)They said several areas have been affected by the persistent rains with several rivers and creeks in areas predominantly occupied mainly by indigenous peoples and Maroons, overflowing their banks
In numerous villages, mainly built along the banks, houses and other buildings such as service houses, schools and polyclinics, vehicles and excavators are under water with the officials reporting that in some places, the waters have reached the ceiling of the buildings.
Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk has gone toured the affected areas by helicopter and boat last weekend.
The National Disaster Management Coordination Center (NCCR) has also come to the aid of the villages. Regional Development & Sports (ROS) Minister, Gracia Emanuël has received a report from the NCCR that the Paamaka, Matawai and Tapanahony areas have been flooded and plans are being put in place to evacuate villagers if needed.
NCCR coordinator, Jerry Slijngard, said the agency is working on providing kits to the affected areas He said the emergency kits include drinking water and food, including baby food, candles and tarpaulin and that some of the residents have been moved to higher grounds.
The officials said that the heavy rains are unusual for this time of year. Currently it is the short dry season, which lasts from the end of January to mid-April. The long rainy season lasts from mid-April to mid-August. The Suriname Meteorological Service expects much more rain in the coming days.
