Authors :
Michael L. Hackett
Volume/Issue :
Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 2 - February
Google Scholar :
http://tinyurl.com/4puepxwx
Scribd :
http://tinyurl.com/bdfsxnre
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10700039
Abstract :
This study examines the recurrent issue of
flooding in various regions of Guyana during the
biannual rainy season and proposes strategies to enhance
water resilience and mitigate the impact of flooding. The
affected areas experience floods of varying depths during
heavy rainfall events. These floods disrupt human
activities, resulting in substantial economic losses across
residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial
sectors.
This study delves into the historical context of
drainage systems established by European colonizers
and plantation owners, originally designed for optimal
drainage under specific rainfall conditions. The study
underscores the vulnerability of these systems to “short
duration high-intensity rainfall” which leads to pluvial
flooding.
Two case studies, focusing on Black Bush Polder
and John’s-Port Mourant, provide detailed insight into
flooding scenarios and their causes. Inadequate drainage
capacities, siltation, and canal networks are identified as
factors contributing to flooding. The study emphasizes
the need for maintaining efficient and clean drainage
infrastructure to prevent flood exacerbation.
In response to the challenges of flooding, the study
recommends a multi-pronged approach to building
water resilience. Strategies include educating the
population about flood risks, implementing warning
systems, maintaining emergency supplies, enforcing
building codes for flood resilience, designing permeable
urban areas, and modernizing drainage systems.
The study concludes that while flooding cannot be
eliminated, a combination of resilient infrastructure,
community awareness, and innovative technologies can
significantly mitigate its adverse effects. By
implementing these measures, Guyana can achieve
enhanced water resilience and be better prepared for
flood challenges.
Keywords :
Cusecs (Cubic Feet Per Second), Discharge Capacity, Drainage And Irrigation Area, Pluvial Flooding, Pooling, Drainage Coefficient, Short Duration High- Intensity Rainfall.
This study examines the recurrent issue of
flooding in various regions of Guyana during the
biannual rainy season and proposes strategies to enhance
water resilience and mitigate the impact of flooding. The
affected areas experience floods of varying depths during
heavy rainfall events. These floods disrupt human
activities, resulting in substantial economic losses across
residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial
sectors.
This study delves into the historical context of
drainage systems established by European colonizers
and plantation owners, originally designed for optimal
drainage under specific rainfall conditions. The study
underscores the vulnerability of these systems to “short
duration high-intensity rainfall” which leads to pluvial
flooding.
Two case studies, focusing on Black Bush Polder
and John’s-Port Mourant, provide detailed insight into
flooding scenarios and their causes. Inadequate drainage
capacities, siltation, and canal networks are identified as
factors contributing to flooding. The study emphasizes
the need for maintaining efficient and clean drainage
infrastructure to prevent flood exacerbation.
In response to the challenges of flooding, the study
recommends a multi-pronged approach to building
water resilience. Strategies include educating the
population about flood risks, implementing warning
systems, maintaining emergency supplies, enforcing
building codes for flood resilience, designing permeable
urban areas, and modernizing drainage systems.
The study concludes that while flooding cannot be
eliminated, a combination of resilient infrastructure,
community awareness, and innovative technologies can
significantly mitigate its adverse effects. By
implementing these measures, Guyana can achieve
enhanced water resilience and be better prepared for
flood challenges.
Keywords :
Cusecs (Cubic Feet Per Second), Discharge Capacity, Drainage And Irrigation Area, Pluvial Flooding, Pooling, Drainage Coefficient, Short Duration High- Intensity Rainfall.
