STORM RAVAGES REGION TWO
Jun 25, 2026
…destroys over 100 homes and public buildings across the country
…schools among structures battered by heavy rains and strong winds
(Kaieteur News) – A powerful storm of heavy rainfall and strong winds has torn through Region Two, damaging more than 100 homes, public buildings, and private properties, injuring a teacher, and leaving the Essequibo Coast grappling with widespread power outages and structural destruction at two schools.
The structural damage to Anna Regina Multilateral School.
President Irfaan Ali led a senior inter-agency team to the region to conduct an on-the-ground assessment and coordinate the emergency response, joining Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Mandanlall Ramraj, Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Director General Colonel (Retired) Nazrul Hussain, and senior officials of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
Initial assessments indicate that roof damage accounts for the majority of destruction across the affected communities. Emergency responders have begun distributing tarpaulins to provide temporary cover while a full-scale damage assessment remains underway. Temporary shelter facilities have been placed on standby should displacement worsen, and power restoration crews are actively working to address major electricity disruptions across the region.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali is leading the team in Region Two.
The storm inflicted significant structural damage on the Anna Regina Multilateral School and Rivers Town Primary School on the Essequibo Coast. A teacher at Rivers Town Primary was injured in the incident and is currently receiving medical attention. Reports are that a shed from the primary school fell on her head causing injuries.
The Ministry of Education confirmed it is mobilising further assistance and working closely with the Regional Administration to coordinate repairs.
“We remain in close contact with the regional administration as we begin to mobilise further assistance. Meanwhile, extensive countrywide assessments are currently being conducted,” the Ministry stated, adding that once immediate evaluations are complete, it will work alongside the relevant Regional Democratic Councils and Municipalities to ensure all structural damage is remedied as a matter of urgency.
The CDC is leading the broader damage assessment as authorities work to determine the full extent of destruction across affected communities.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) said it received multiple reports of damage to the electricity network as a result of the squall that affected several parts of the country.
In a statement, GPL said “The severe weather conditions, characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall, are currently impacting sections of Georgetown, East Demerara, some areas of West Demerara, the Essequibo Coast, and Leguan. As a result, service interruptions are being experienced in a number of communities.
GPL has received reports of fallen utility poles, damaged network infrastructure, and vegetation affecting power lines.”
Technical teams were mobilised and conducted inspections and assessments to determine the extent of the damage. Power has since been restored however, the power company warned that prevailing weather conditions may affect access to certain locations and the pace at which repairs can be safely completed.
“GPL is urging contractors, equipment operators, and members of the public to exercise extreme caution when operating near the electricity network. High winds can weaken infrastructure, cause trees and debris to come into contact with power lines, and create hazardous conditions. Persons are advised to maintain a safe distance from downed wires, damaged poles, and any other compromised electrical infrastructure.
All downed wires should be treated as live and dangerous. Customers are encouraged to report any damaged network components or hazardous conditions through GPL’s emergency reporting channels including 226-2600 and our Emergency WhatsApp Number 608-9090.”
Broken trees and other debris were seen scattered in some communities across the country as heavy winds and rainfall battered the coast.
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