TORRENTIAL showers have once again devastated several parts of Trinidad and emergency response will be working throughout Tuesday night.
Reports stated that the East Dry River, St Ann’s and Maraval rivers burst their banks which resulted in flash flooding in surrounding communities.
The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government stated, “Excessive rainfall in the Port-of-Spain, Maraval and St Ann’s regions today resulted in flash flooding, heavy sediments and debris being brought down by the hydro meteorological event.”
Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Kazim Hosein said the Disaster Management Units (DMUs) has already mobilised to clear the debris and sediments.
In a midday update, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) issued adverse weather activity which commenced at 3pm but lasted approximately 45 minutes. This resulted in flash flooding and impassable roadways and high amounts of rubble.
There were also reports that two vehicles which were parked close to the riverbank on the St Ann’s Road were pushed into the river by the floodwaters.
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Earlier on Tuesday, Hosein issued a call to all Corporations that were not impacted to adopt an “all-of-corporation” approach to ensure that their fellow corporations which were affected receive the assistance needed by means of equipment and relief supplies.
In addition, equipment and resources from the various municipal corporations and other state agencies and the Ministry of Works and Transport had already been mobilised to assist with clearing of debris and sediments caused by the heavy rainfall.
Residents of St Ann’s and Maraval have begun clean up efforts in their homes and communities.
Citizens are being reminded to be prepared, stay updated and to contact their respective DMU for sandbags if needed prior to the adverse weather system.
Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith stated that officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) would be flexible in allowing persons affected by Tuesday’s flooding to be out during the night to assist in clean-up operations.
The CoP said due to the excess flooding, there may be many persons on the road without curfew passes.
He added, “These would include workers of the Port-of-Spain City Corporation who would be assisting with moving debris strewn across the roadway. Employees of the Ministry of Works and Transport, ODPM officials, local government workers, as well as family members helping relatives, who have been affected, are also expected to be out tonight.”
Griffith said that officers would be flexible but vigilant and that such persons should call the Operations Command Centre at the numbers listed to inform officers that they would be out in public after the 9 pm curfew.
Griffith said, “The flooding affected areas include Maraval, St Ann’s, St James, Diego Martin, Belmont, and east Port-of-Spain, so persons from other areas across the country are advised to take note, and adhere to normal curfew protocols, as we continue to battle the invisible enemy, Covid-19.”
The additional curfew numbers are 612-3876, 684-5035, 684-5076, 684-5233.
