A YELLOW level riverine flood alert was issued on Friday and areas in central Trinidad experienced flooding due to the overflow of the Caroni River from heavy torrential rainfall on Thursday.
El Carmen, Kelly Village, Las Lomas and St Helena were all affected.
The alert was issued at 10 am by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM). It remains in effect until 4pm today (Saturday).
The ODPM is asking those affected to stay out of the flood waters.
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services (TTMS) stated; “Carefully monitor weather conditions and river/water levels. Monitor updates from official sources and plan safety measures and do not take unnecessary risks. Avoid driving or wading through flood waters. Follow the instructions of government officials. “
On Thursday at around 11.45pm, members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) assisted residents of El Carmen and St Helena who needed to move their vehicles and other valuable belongings to higher ground due to the rising water levels.
The ODPM in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development issued an update on the situation in El Carmen and stated that Disaster Management Units were on the ground in the areas where waters have subsided conducting assessments.
The ministry is advising members of the public to stay alert and keep informed during periods of torrential rainfall as well as to avoid entering flood waters and to message their Facebook page if in need of any assistance.
Members of Parliament for Chaguanas East and West have been advising constituents to practice caution.
Dredging of the Marchin River (Rodney Road to Super Quality to Marchin) have started.
MP for the Chaguanas East Vandana Mohit said that the dredging will be done over the next few days
In a Facebook post she said “We are happy for this cleaning and we hope it serves a purpose during this rainy season as it usually does.” – With reporting by Chantalé Fletcher, Darius Phillip and Vidya Tikasingh
