The ministry will ensure that floods are reduced by timely and proper operation of drainage systems, the agency said.

It said a release from the Minister of Agriculture stated that already, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) has promised to have pumps at Annandale, Good Hope, and Montrose, East Coast Demerara, operational as a matter of urgency.

GINA said there was flooding between Good Hope and Montrose because "the pumps at Annandale, Good Hope and Montrose were not in total operation."

Fifteen mobile pumps have been deployed to Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Region Three (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands), Region Four (Demerara Mahaica), Region Five (Mahaica Berbice) and Region Six, (East Berbice Corentyne), GINA said.

Unusual accumulated rainfall over a three-day period exceeded the design capacity of irrigation systems along the coastal areas, which led to severe flooding, the agency said.

It reported that rainfall during the period April 20-23 exceeded 165mm at Wales, West Bank Demerara. During that time, various regions also recorded more than 90mm.

GINA said the Agriculture Ministry is appealing to the public not to clog drainage systems with obstacles, and to be ever vigilant in assisting to ensure that all drainage sluices and other facilities are operational whenever it rains heavily.

Meanwhile, the Hydrometeorological Services has issued a weather bulletin stating that during the month of May, there will be three periods of high tides exceeding 2.74m.

The highest tides of 3.17m will occur on the morning of May 25 and 26, 2002 and the department is advising that precautionary measures be taken against possible flooding in low-lying coastal and riverain areas where residents could be affected.