Several communities across Trinidad have been impacted by flash flooding as the country experiences persistent adverse weather conditions.
Reports of residential flooding in areas including Piarco, Arima, Sangre Grande, Chaguanas, Chin Chin, Cunupia, Las Lomas, San Rafael, and Brazil are being monitored. However, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government said no major infrastructural damage or severe incidents have been recorded.
Line Minister Khadijah Ameen said teams worked around the clock to ensure the safe transportation of several students across the country — particularly Form 6 students scheduled to sit compulsory CAPE examinations on Thursday and Friday.
The Ministry assured that relief operations are ongoing, with the distribution of essential supplies such as sandbags to affected households. More than 230 sandbags have been provided to assist in flood mitigation efforts across impacted communities.
TTT News caught up with Alderman attached to the Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation, Cherryl Ann Pamphile, in Greenvale, where sandbags were being distributed.
“As you saw when you were coming in, the river was extremely high, and we expect some more rain this afternoon, so in preparation for that, we are dropping off over 100 sandbags in this community so Greenvale would have access to the bags, in addition to the entire Tumpuna Road would have access to the bags.”
A resident of Greenvale who experienced the devastating 2018 flooding in the community recalled the traumatic experience where he swam and saved several residents. Awarded a Hummingbird Medal for Gallantry for his heroic efforts, he said the community gets anxious whenever there is constant heavy rainfall.
“From our experience, the water just comes gushing in. The water would come from the Manuel Congo River, the water would come from the Caroni River, that is out by Fine Choice there, and the water would also come from the Caroni River at this part here where the pump station is.”
Disaster Management Units remain on high alert and are closely monitoring the situation in real-time to ensure swift and effective responses.
The public is reminded to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas, and adhere to all official advisories issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service and updates from reliable sources.