Map

Hazards

• Flash floods

Past Events

• Severe flooding (2005): 1/3 of population affected
• Cyanide River Disaster(1995): Worst environmental disaster in country's history; water contaminated with cyanide

Full Natural Disaster History (external link)
Full Technological Disaster History (external link)

Environmental Concerns

• Water pollution from chemicals and sewage
• Deforestation

Guyana has a long history of flooding along its coastal areas, and more recently in past decades has experienced an increase in man-made disasters. The most severe environmental disaster in Guyana's history occurred in 2005, when 825 million gallons of cyanide-treated water leaked from a dam into a major river. Coordinates 5 00 N, 59 00 W Area 214,970 km2 Terrain Mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain, savanna in south Population 765,283 (2005 est.)

Government Strategies

Most recent disasters in Jamaica have been caused by human error, rather than natural hazard. This prompted the government to establish an Environmental Protection Agency.

Member of CDERA.

Country Contacts

Lawrence Duncan
Commissioner
Civil Defense Commission
Commission Camp
Ayanguana Annex, Thomas Lands
Georgetown, Guyana
Tel (592) 226-1114
Fax (592) 225-1027
Email cdc@sdbp.org.gy

National Disaster Coordinator
Office of the President
Jew Gardens Street
Guyana
Tel (592) 225-7051
Fax (592) 226-3395

University of Guyana Library
Turkeyan Campus
Greater Georgetown
Guyana
Tel (592) 222-5401

Additional Resources