Two days after a freak storm tore through Lima Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast, dozens of residents are still struggling to come to terms with the devastation. For many, the tragedy has renewed their hopes for a fresh start — one they pray will come in the form of new homes.
The storm, which struck suddenly around 7:50 am on November 3, destroyed several houses and left more than 30 residents without shelter. Entire families were forced to sleep in makeshift spaces as they watched years of hard work reduced to debris.
Among those hardest hit are Deodat Samdatt, Abdool Hafeez Haleel, and Khampattie Sukhnandan — families who now depend heavily on the assistance of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and other support agencies.
“Everything happened in just minutes,” recalled Khampattie Sukhnandan, who lives with her husband, children, and a disabled child. “We didn’t even have time to save much. The house was old and the wood was bad, but now it’s gone completely. I’m asking the President, please — help us with a new home so my children can feel safe again,” she appealed.
At night, Sukhnandan said her family endures darkness and discomfort. Without electricity, they sleep in hammocks in a cramped space provided temporarily by neighbours.
“The RDC has been bringing food and helping where they can, but nights are hard — the place is dark and crowded,” she explained. “We just want somewhere decent to rest our heads.”
For Deodat Samdatt, the memory of that morning is still vivid. His wife, Haimwattie, was injured when part of their roof collapsed. Though relief teams have promised assistance, he fears returning to a structure that can no longer guarantee their safety.
“We were fixing up little by little, but everything came down. The walls are weak and the roof gone. I don’t want to live in fear again. I would feel much safer with a new home,” Samdatt said.
Meanwhile, Abdool Hafeez Haleel stood quietly as workers from the RDC helped dismantle what was left of his damaged house.
“It’s hard to watch, but I’m thankful for life. I’m hoping the President can help us start over. The building was already breaking down before — now there’s nothing left,” he said.
In the days following the storm, Regional Chairman Devin Mohan has been leading a coordinated disaster response effort involving the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Fire Service, Civil Defence Commission (CDC), and the Men on Mission (MoM) initiative.
Chairman Mohan said teams were on the ground within minutes of receiving the first reports.
The CDC supplied tarpaulins and cleaning hampers, while GPL cut power to prevent electrocution in flooded areas. GDF engineers have been assisting with repairs and rebuilding, and Men on Mission is spearheading the reconstruction of two homes that were completely destroyed.
Mohan noted that the RDC continues to provide meals and basic support while the rebuilding process unfolds.
“This is about community and compassion. We will keep working with every agency until these families are back on their feet,” he said.
Even amid the hardship, the spirit of hope remains strong in Lima. The residents say their faith now rests in the promise of renewal.
“We’re grateful for all the help,” Sukhnandan said softly, “but what we really need is a new beginning — a home where we can live without fear.”
