Days of heavy rain has caused flooding in parts of Trinidad.
Flooding was reported in Pernal, Debe, Barrackpore, Siparia an Princes Town. Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government said that communities in the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC) had been worst affected. Schools have been closed in affected areas.
“At this time, 15 families have been evacuated. Shelters are open, however some roads remain impassable to low vehicles. Disaster Management officials are on the ground and continue to partner with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force to assist residents who are stranded. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers, trained by the Ministry in emergency response, have also participated in relief efforts,” the Ministry added.
Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service said that Penal recorded 127.2mm of rain in 2 days.
The service issued several Yellow level flood warnings. However, warning have since been upgraded to the higher Orange level as flood waters are still rising in some areas.
Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service said that the Caroni River was at maximum capacity and had overflowed onto its banks and some low lying surrounding areas. Local media said flooding in Siparia was caused by the overflowing Tunaco River. The flood situation has been compounded by the occurrence of spring tides.
