As Trinidad and Tobago prepares for another rainy season, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Khadijah Ameen, says her Ministry and the country’s Municipal Corporations are ready for any eventuality.
Minister Ameen says, with all indicators pointing to an active rainy season, proactive measures are already in place.
“Our 14 Municipal Corporations have an intense programme ahead to clear watercourses and to prepare for an active rainy season, including purchasing bags for sandbags, preparing shelters, preparing our Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) with suitable equipment such as shovels, pumps, chainsaws and other equipment to respond to community-related disasters.”
Minister Ameen said her Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure on a nationwide watercourse-clearing exercise, with priority given to flood-prone areas such as the Caroni and South Oropouche river basins, as well as key retention ponds.
“The Ministry of Agriculture is also working with the drains in the agricultural areas, the floodgates and the pumps. So we are working hand-in-hand under the direction of the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar as Prime Minister to intensify preventative measures as well as to prepare ourselves to respond when the time comes.”
Government agencies have been in preparation mode ahead of the official declaration of the 2026 rainy season, coordinating with Municipal Corporations to reduce the impact of flooding and other weather-related hazards.
On May 1st, the government launched National Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Month, marking 31 days of activities aimed at readiness and risk reduction.
The campaign urges citizens, communities and businesses to build emergency kits, develop response plans and participate in hazard-mitigation efforts.