By Sue-Ann Wayow
BE cautious on the roads.
This advisory comes from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) on Sunday as many areas reported flooding and landslides.
The TTPS stated that Acting Commissioner of Police Mc Donald Jacob has placed all Divisions, sections and branches of the TTPS on high alert during this period with increased patrols liaising directly with the Operations Command Centre (OCC), Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) and Regional Corporations for immediate support.
There have been reports of a number of roadways sustaining damages in the areas of Manzanilla Mayaro Road, Gran Couva and the Lady Young Road.
The Ministry of Works and Transport in a press release also urged the public to proceed with caution along the North Coast Road in the vicinity of Zorro Road, Las Cuevas, due to the collapse of a culvert crossing of a section of the roadway, as a result of excessive rainfall.
The TTPS stated that it has noted social media clips showing persons taking unnecessary risks to record videos on the edge of compromised riverbanks and roadways to obtain “viral” footage.
“We are appealing to persons to exercise greater caution during these times as subsurface damages to roads or embankments would not be visible and such situations can quickly lead to serious injury or death,” the TTPS stated.
Advice from the TTPS:
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Avoid driving in flood-prone areas, be prepared and plan an alternate route in case the road you want to use is closed;
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Before travelling, please check for updates from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMet Office) and Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) for the latest road conditions;
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If you find yourself on a road that is flooded, the best choice is to turn around if you can do so safely; and
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If a road is marked as closed, do not continue.
TTPS stated, “We wish again to remind motorists that floodwaters can quickly sweep away vehicles. Floodwaters can easily cause loss of control and possible stalling and damage to the mechanical and electrical components of your vehicle.
“Water can also hide dips and potholes in the road, as well as submerged trees or downed power lines. Without being able to see the road’s surface, you may hit something and cause major damage to your vehicle (in addition to possible flood damage).”
Drivers are also being reminded to be extra cautious when driving at night as it will be more difficult to spot hazards.
Additional advice from the TTPS:
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If your vehicle stalls in floodwater, be prepared to abandon it, and move safely to higher ground.
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If you have an emergency or become stranded, please call the 999 Emergency Hotline to have first responders dispatched to your location.
