From January 21-30, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) responded with potable water, food, and medicine to survivors of flooding that occurred in Guyana throughout January 2004.

Approximately 650 food hampers were distributed to flood survivors. Each hamper contained toilet paper, laundry soap, and a food supply to feed a family of four for one week. Included were staple food items such as drinking water, rice, beans, cooking oil, flour, noodles, salt, milk, sugar, and cereal.

ADRA also provided medicines, including anti-bacterials, anti-diarrheals, and disinfectants. Medical teams accompanied the relief teams to various communities and provided medical service to the residents.

ADRA Guyana’s relief efforts were concentrated on the Lower East Coast, Sophia (Greater Georgetown), and Canal No. 2 Region 3 on the West Bank of Demerara. The project, valued at US$10,000, was funded by ADRA International, ADRA Inter-America, ADRA Caribbean Union, ADRA Guyana, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Guyana.

"In Georgetown the waters have receded in most areas," stated Alexander Isaacs, country director for ADRA Guyana, earlier this week. Isaacs, along with his family, was also displaced due to more than 18 inches of floodwater in his home. "On the East Coast of Demerara, the hardest hit area, the water has receded by more than 18 inches in some areas. However, the floodwaters are still in many homes and yards. Hence, many families are still displaced and experiencing a lot of discomfort. The pumps are working around the clock and drains are being cleaned in and around the flood hit areas," Isaacs reported.

ADRA's response, in collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission, was implemented through its Operation Command Centre set up in Georgetown at the headquarters for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Guyana. Beneficiaries were chosen in coordination with the Civil Defence Commission, the Ministry of Local Government, and the National Council of Local Democratic Organs within each affected community in the respective regions.

Guyana experienced unprecedented rainfall in January. By January 18, the country ha received 32 inches of rain, exceeding its normal monthly average of 7,5 inches. The downpour resulted in severe flooding in many parts of the country. The government declared four of the administrative regions of the country. “disaster areas.” Many residents are without electricity and communication lines and crops have suffered extensive damage. The Ministry of Education closed schools, most of which just reopened this week.

ADRA is present in more than 120 countries providing individual and community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, or ethnicity.