With prolonged dry conditions threatening water supplies, agricultural production and livelihoods, the Government is stepping up preparations to help communities across Guyana withstand the effects of El Niño, which are expected to continue into the first quarter of next year.

Consultations conducted by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in eight of the country's ten administrative regions have identified the need for additional water storage tanks, rehabilitated wells, planting materials and supplies to construct shade houses.

These interventions are intended to help households secure water and assist farmers in protecting their crops and livestock as the country prepares for an extended period of reduced rainfall and intense heat.

The threat of wildfires is also a growing concern, with several brush fires continuing to occur across the country. Residents are being urged to take preventative measures, including refraining from open burning, to reduce the risk of fires spreading under dry conditions.

The preparations were reviewed on Friday during a meeting between Prime Minister Mark Phillips, the CDC and several government agencies responsible for national security, agriculture, health, energy, water management and environmental protection.

During the engagement, agencies presented their contingency plans, outlining available resources, anticipated risks and operational challenges as they prepare for possible water shortages, wildfires and threats to agricultural production.

The CDC said consultations and sensitisation exercises have been completed in eight regions, with Regions Seven and Eight scheduled to be covered in the coming weeks.

Prime Minister Phillips commended the agencies for their work and stressed the importance of coordination, information sharing and continued engagement with communities. He also reaffirmed the Government's commitment to providing resources to strengthen preparedness and minimise the effects of the dry conditions.

The CDC and its partner agencies will continue monitoring conditions and coordinating response measures across all ten regions.

With the dry period expected to extend into early 2027, the focus is on ensuring that communities, farmers and essential services are better prepared before conditions worsen.