Citizens are being warned to be extra vigilant on Thursday as the Caroni River at El Carmen has burst its banks, there is a lot of run-off water from hilly areas and high tide is scheduled for 2.10 pm.
Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Faris Al-Rawi at a press conference at 1 pm on Thursday pleaded with all persons in Trinidad and Tobago to do whatever is necessary to safeguard themselves and if needed to immediately contact the relevant agencies for assistance.
The El Carmen River is at 102% capacity while the Caroni River (Bamboo Settlement 3) is at 79% capacity as of 12 noon.
The North Oropouche River along the Toco Road is at 85% capacity while the South Oropouche River is at 73% capacity.
A riverine orange alert remains in effect. The yellow-level weather alert also remains in effect till 5 pm on Friday.
While flooding continues in the northeast and northwest areas in Trinidad and in the northeast and northwest areas in Tobago, Al Rawi said at several other rivers not technically monitored, persons were on site providing hourly updates.
He said that based on information from the Ministry of Works and Transport, all pumps were working and stand ready to pump out flood water.
Head of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management Major General Rodney Smart also pleaded with citizens to not become complacent although the rain has stopped in several areas.
Al Rawi also pleaded with citizens to those areas to conserve water as muc
He said, “It’s not over. We are dealing with a lot of water.”
The minister also expressed prayers and support for the family of Teresa Lynch who was swept away by flood waters on Wednesday and extensive searches continue for her.
“We pray as we scour every aspect of the roads and waterways that are connected together that she has survived being swept away,” Al- Rawi said.
He said between Wednesday and Thursday, there were 145 reports of flooding, 135 on Wednesday and 10 on Thursday.
The Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation reported 95 of those flooding incidents.
He said there were also 30 landslips “all of which are being managed.”
All Local Government resources have been deployed in the affected areas, almost 2,500 sandbags given and the 700-plus municipal police continue to be on the ground.
The minister thanked all agencies who worked throughout the night to bring relief to residents as well as the Members of Parliament, both Opposition and Government who were heeding to the needs of their constituents.
