Flooding: Rivers Exceed 2/3 Capacity

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Caption: Mayaro MP Nicholas Morris looks at rising waters in his constituency. Photo: Facebook

Faith Edwards

PERSISTENT rainfall continues to affect Trinidad and Tobago as the country remains under a Yellow Level Alert.

Citizens are being urged to remain indoors and follow all safety precautions. Government agencies have mobilised emergency response teams and are actively monitoring affected areas to manage flooding, landslides, and other weather-related risks.

As of 4 pm Sunday, major rivers such as the Caroni Tumpuna (87%), Caroni Bamboo Settlement #3 (73%), Cunupia River (71%), and El Carmen (80%) were all nearing or exceeding two-thirds capacity. Meanwhile, rivers such as Maraval (14%), North Oropouche (38%), and Cipero River (21%) remained below 40% but are being closely monitored due to possible rises.

The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries are currently on the ground actively monitoring the situation in affected communities.

RDLG Responds to Adverse Weather Alert

THE Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (RDLG) stated that it continues to actively respond to the Adverse Weather Alert #2 – Yellow Level, issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS).

The alert remains in effect from 6 pm Saturday to 6 pm Monday.

According to the ministry, localised flooding has impacted several areas including Diego Martin, Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, San Juan/Laventille, Sangre Grande, Chaguanas, Princes Town and Penal/Debe within the past 24 hours.

All 14 Municipal Corporations’ Disaster Management Units (DMUs) have been deployed, RDLG stated, with Ministry assets also mobilised to address incidents such as landslides, fallen trees, and flash flooding.

Ongoing field assessments are being conducted to evaluate the situation and identify priority areas for relief.

Ministry of Agriculture responds

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) has also activated its Emergency Flood Response efforts, targeting key farming areas such as Orange Grove, Plum Mitan, and Aranguez South. Teams from the Ministry’s Engineering Division have been deployed to extract excess water, dredge waterways and improve drainage in flood-affected farmlands.

Minister of Agriculture Ravi Ratiram has been engaging with farmers on the ground to assess damages and offer support. He noted that protecting farmers is vital to safeguarding national food security, and affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to reducing agricultural losses.

Chaguanas West MP Neil Gosine on the ground

Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West Dr Neil Gosine has also been on the ground leading relief efforts. Accompanied by local councillors and on-site responders, Gosine has coordinated with heavy equipment operators to clear blocked drains and waterways.

Chaguanas West MP Dr Neil Gosine on the ground with constituents. Photo: UNC Chaguanas West

Gosine said, “Our constituents are facing significant challenges due to the flooding. It’s imperative that we take swift and decisive action to restore normalcy and ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.”

MP for Mayaro, Nicholas Morris, along with Chairman of the Mayaro Rio Claro Regional Corporation Raymond Cozier, other councillors and and representatives from the Ministry of Works and DMU were also assessing the flooding.

The ODPM has released a public advisory listing areas across Trinidad and Tobago where flooding has been reported.

The affected areas are as follows:

San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation
– El Socorro Extension 2
– Patraj Trace
– Saddle Road, Lower Santa Cruz

Chaguanas Borough Corporation
– Crown Trace, Enterprise
– Egypt Trace
– Endeavour Road
– Akbar Street, Charlieville

Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation
– Macaulay Junction (under the overpass)
– Edinburgh Phase 3
– Ragoonanan Road
– West Road
– Perseverance Road

Port of Spain City Corporation
– Richmond Street
– Independence Square
– St. Ann’s

Penal/Debe Regional Corporation
– Scott Road
– Penal Rock Road

Diego Martin Borough Corporation
– Western Main Road, Cocorite
– Eligon Avenue

The ODPM advises residents, particularly those living in or commuting through these areas, to remain cautious and closely follow official updates.

Citizens are urged to safeguard household items, move vehicles to higher ground, and avoid venturing into floodwaters.

The ODPM continues to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as necessary.

The ODPM also reminds citizens that in the event of a hazard, the first responders are: