The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government is closely monitoring increased activity at the Piparo Mud Volcano as coordinated assessment efforts continue to ensure public safety in the area.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, initial damage assessments are underway in collaboration with multiple agencies, including Disaster Management Units from the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation and the Princes Town Regional Corporation, along with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission, and the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service.
Reports indicate that the volcano’s main vent is experiencing increased activity, with visible cracks observed along the roadway in the western area. This has caused additional damage to one of the access roads leading into the community.
As a precautionary measure, authorities are implementing plans to restrict access to Piparo Road and divert vehicular traffic through Hoseinee Trace. The CTTRC Municipal Police is arranging for traffic barriers to be delivered and installed to facilitate the traffic management plan.
Alternative access to the area remains available via Thomas Ross Road from Princes Town or through Piparo Road from Tabaquite.
Additionally, a backhoe deployed by CTTRC has been dispatched to re-establish temporary emergency access for residents of Panchoo Trace and Robinson Road while assessments and mitigation works continue.
Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Honourable Khadijah Ameen, emphasised the government’s commitment to resident safety.
“The safety and well-being of residents remain our highest priority,” Minister Ameen stated. “Our disaster management teams and emergency services are on the ground conducting thorough assessments, and we are maintaining close coordination with all relevant agencies to ensure that appropriate measures are implemented swiftly should conditions change.”
The Ministry has urged residents and motorists to exercise caution when approaching the Piparo area and to comply with all instructions issued by officials on site.