Heavy downpour causes severe flooding in French Guiana
Torrential rains affecting French Guiana from May 2, 2020, caused severe flooding and resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of residents in Saint-Laurent du Maroni. Much of the Camopi-Trois Sauts commune was almost entirely submerged.
About 127 mm (5 inches) of rain was recorded in Saint Laurent du Maroni in a 48-hour period to May 4.
The Saint Laurent creek became swollen afterward, prompting 139 people to evacuate their homes, according to the government. 99 people were provided with temporary accommodation in a local sports stadium, including 77 children.
In Camopi-Trois Sauts commune in the central-eastern region, up to 80 percent of residents had their homes inundated after the Oyapock river burst its banks. Around 1 800 people reside in the area.
Flooding was also reported in the coastal region, specifically in the district of Kourou. Roads were blocked by floodwaters, which triggered major traffic problems.
Moderate to heavy rain is forecast over the central and northern areas into Wednesday, May 7.
La #Guyane a été placée en vigilance orange.
Il s'agit du niveau 3 sur 4 de vigilance météo.
Le fleuve #Oyapock est sorti de son lit.#Camopi, commune du haut Oyapock est en proie à des inondations. pic.twitter.com/ZLVm7rhT1A— Guyane Actu (@GuyaneActu) May 5, 2020
[#Important] Suite des interventions à SLM.
Engagement important des moyens du @Sdis973 spécialistes en secours aquatiques.
Des nageurs-sauveteurs ont procédé aux reconnaissances des priorités et aux rotations pour évacuer les plus vulnérables. pic.twitter.com/rXmiNcwsft
— Préfet de la région Guyane (@Prefet973) May 3, 2020
[#Inondations] à Saint-Laurent du Maroni les fortes pluies et la marée montante ont fait déborder la crique Saint-Laurent.
Hier soir 139 personnes ont été évacuées et 99 ont accepté d’être hébergées au stade dont 77 enfants. pic.twitter.com/Y16sMT5REl
— Préfet de la région Guyane (@Prefet973) May 4, 2020
Featured image credit: Prefect of Guiana
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