Guyana sends high-capacity pumps to Suriname amid worsening floods

Guyana has provided emergency assistance to Suriname by loaning two high-capacity water pumps to support ongoing efforts to address widespread flooding caused by persistent heavy rainfall.

The support follows recent high-level discussions between President Irfaan Ali and Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, during which the worsening flood situation in several parts of Suriname was addressed. The request for additional pumping capacity was made as authorities there continue to grapple with rising water levels and overwhelmed drainage systems. Suriname has been experiencing more intense rainfall than Guyana, resulting in more severe flooding in several communities.

In response, the decision was made to deploy additional equipment to strengthen drainage operations. The pumps, each with a capacity of 31,000 gallons per minute, were transported across the Corentyne River on Monday.

According to Suriname’s Ministry of Public Works and Spatial Planning, the equipment will be deployed at the Sabaku Project and along Indira Gandhi Road. Installation of one pump at the Sabaku Project is already underway.

Authorities have cautioned that installation work may lead to temporary traffic disruptions in affected areas and have urged motorists and residents to plan alternative routes where necessary.

The assistance forms part of ongoing cooperation between the two countries as both continue to deal with the impacts of heavy rainfall and flooding across multiple regions.