… looting widespread
The Trinidad and Tobago Government on Saturday said teams were working to rescue people trapped by floods and landslides caused by heavy rains over the past 48 hours and that the full extent of the damage caused will be revealed as the water subsides in the coming days.
“This is a national disaster, the flooding is quite widespread and quite severe and it is going to cost a lot of money to bring relief to people who have been affected. Notwithstanding whatever shortages we are experiencing, we will have to find the resources to help,” Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley said after touring some of the affected areas.
The Met Office said an active ITCZ continues to produce periods of rain/showers and thunderstorm activity which can lead to flash or riverine flooding as well as landslides/landslips in areas so prone. Gusty winds can be experienced in the vicinity of heavy downpours.
Many parts of the country were flooded and there have been widespread reports of landslides and road blocks caused as a result.
While there have so far been no reports of deaths or injuries, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has issued a “Red Riverine Flood Alert”, warning persons to take all precautions to protect life and property.
“Riverine flooding occurs when water levels in a river over-top its banks and spills into surrounding areas. This type of flooding is more widespread and usually lasts for several days,” the Met office said, adding that currently river levels have exceeded threshold levels and some have already over spilled their banks.
In a statement early Saturday, Prime Minister Rowley said he had been receiving “timely updates” from the relevant Government agencies responsible for spearheading the ongoing rescue operations, as well as those coordinating relief efforts in the communities affected by severe flooding.
Rowley said members of the Coast Guard and Defence Force are working to rescue those who are trapped, adding “for those of you who are still stranded I know that patience may be running thin but help is on the way”.
Rowley said that National Security Minister Stuart Young is mobilising with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) to conduct an aerial reconnaissance “so that we can better ascertain the scope of the intervention required.
The ODPM said that the adverse weather situation will continue until today and urged motorists to seek alternative routes where possible and be extremely vigilant of rising flood waters. (CMC)
