Trinidad battles with flooding and power outages in some parts
…Prime Minister criticised for lax response
Following Tropical Storm Bret, which hit Trinidad and Tobago over Monday night into Tuesday morning, severe flash flooding and power outages are reported in several parts of the twin-island republic. However, Guyana may still be feeling the effects of the storm.
Cloudiness with occasional to frequent light to moderate showers and possible thundery showers are in the forecast for today as Guyana continues to grapple with heavy rainfall and flash flooding in some parts.
An aerial view of a flooded area in Trinidad
Over in T&T, the country is now assessing the damage Bret caused, since several communities, especially in the east and south of Trinidad, are still under water. Biche Village, in the east, was in complete darkness up until press time, since the roads were impassable and several utility poles have been taken down by the storm.
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Corporation (T&TEC) advised residents that they are facing sever challenges to restore power in several areas, adding that a total of 204 areas are still without power.
As of 05:00h on Tuesday, the storm warning had been lifted, but the island experienced heavy downpours and strong winds in some areas. Several persons took to social media to share their experiences of “Bad Bret”.
The T&T Hydromet Office issued a warning to residents informing them that the Caroni River – the island’s biggest river, is on the verge of toppling its banks, and urged them to prepare for the eventuality of additional flooding.
However, several persons also took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with the lack of response from Prime Minister Keith Rowley. They noted that although several areas are flooded, the PM refused to close government offices and urged citizens to go to work.
They also criticised Rowley’s silence on the extent of the damage the nation suffered. However, the Office of the Prime Minister, late Tuesday afternoon, issued a statement urging citizens to remain calm and noted that they were working to address the situation in a timely manner.
The statement also thanked the various utility companies and the first responders for their service in ensuring the citizenry was adequately protected and provided for.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar visited several of the flood-hit communities and provided relief supplies to residents. (Lakhram Bhagirat)
