By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE riverine alert has been upgraded to Orange level and will now continue into Tuesday.
Twenty-one primary schools, six secondary schools and seven Early Childhood Care and Education centres were closed due to flooding.
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Office (TTMS) in an update on Monday at 1.31 pm stated that the alert will continue until 10.10 pm on Tuesday.
This after half a month’s amount of rain fell in a 24-hour period
TTMS stated, “After continued rainfall activity, the river levels of the South Oropouche, as well as smaller tributaries in southern areas of Trinidad, are near critical levels or overtopping in some areas based on official reports. Additional periods of rainfall will likely continue over the next 24 hours, which will result in the further elevation of the river levels.”
It also stated that run-off will be slower at high tide which will be at 12. 04 am and 2.03 pm on Tuesday.
The Minister of Rural Development and Local Government said on Monday evening that there were reported 96 incidents of flooding as more rain fell in south of the country when compared to the north. He said five regional corporations were affected.
Princes Town Regional Corporation followed with 14 reports of flood.
There were also three reports of landslides, two reports of fallen trees and one roof damage.
The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has issued information on affected plants due to the bad weather.
Five plants in the northeast region were affected as a result of flooded river conditions and high turbidity resulting in clogged intake screens.
Affected areas are Toco, Balandra, Matura, Valencia, Parts of Lopinot, Surrey Village and parts of Maracas, St Joseph.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley speaking at a press conference on Monday at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s said he spoke with Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Faris Al-Rawi.
Al-Rawi assured that all preparations were in place for adverse effects and all the relevant authorities were at the job.
With the upgraded riverine alert, the TTMS is advising citizens to:
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Finalise preparations to protect lives, livelihoods, and property
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Activate a safety plan.
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Secure food, water, and medicine for at least seven days in waterproof containers.
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Protect important assets and documents.
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Do not take unnecessary risks.
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Follow the instructions of government officials.
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Monitor official sources for information.
