Suriname on flood watch

Authorities in Suriname issued a flood alert following several days of heavy rains.



The rains, which began last Sunday, resulted in flooding in a number of areas and have forced the closure of shops, offices, businesses and schools in the capital, Paramaribo.



Public transportation has been disrupted with drivers refusing to do their usual routes, leaving scores of commuters stranded.

Hardest-hit are districts of Paramaribo, Commewijne and Saramacca, while rivers in the remote interior continue to swell.



Meteorological officials said over 200 millimeters of rainfall were recorded on Monday and Wednesday alone, with the heavy downpours expected to persist into the weekend.