Trinidad – Hundreds Displaced by Floods

Flooding and landslides have affected parts of Trinidad and Tobago since Friday 19 October after a period of heavy rain. Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said “This is a national disaster, the flooding is quite widespread and quite severe and it is going to cost a lot of money to bring relief to people who have been affected.”

Floods in Trinidad, October 2018. Photo: Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government

The Coast Guard and Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force were deployed to carry out flood rescues and evacuations. Around 15 shelters were set up to in schools and community centres in order to house those displaced.

The Prime Minister said “Rescue operations continue with the Coast Guard utilising boats to reach stranded persons. I want to assure persons that the Government is doing all that it can to, in the first instance, rescue trapped persons and then to ensure that they have the resources they need when they get to the shelters.”

“We have received no reports of casualties but I have heard many stories of close calls. My focus at this time is on the conditions at the shelters making sure that people housed there have cots, blankets, food and other supplies.”

Among the worst affected areas are La Horquetta, Sangre Grande, Mayaro, Mafeking, Las Lomas, St Helena and Kelly. Flood water was up to 1.5 metres deep in some areas, making roads impassable and leaving communities cut off. At one point Sangre Grande Hospital was inaccessible due to flooding along the roadways leading to the health facility.

Rainfall and Rivers

Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) said that Crown Point recorded 117.6 mm of rain in 24 hours to 20 October. The previous day Piarco recorded 73.9 mm and Crown point 45.8 mm.

It is thought that the Guayamare and Caroni rivers among others have broken their banks. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management said in a statement of 19 October “Currently, river levels have exceeded threshold levels and some have already over spilled their banks.”

TTMS issued several warnings prior to the flooding. On 19 October, a Riverine Flood Alert was upgraded to Red Level warning that “Preparations to protect life, livelihood and property especially those residing along the Caroni River Basin should be rushed to completion immediately if it has not been completed as yet.”

Further rain is possible as the Service said, as “an active ITCZ continues to produce intermittent periods of rain/showers and thunderstorm activity which can lead to flash flooding and exacerbate existing riverine flooding. Showers can be heavy to torrential at times and produce damaging gusty winds. Landslides/landslips are also likely in areas so prone.”

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Flood Summary

Last updated: October 31, 2018
Event
Trinidad, October 2018
Date
October 19 to October 22, 2018
Type
Flash flood, River flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall

Locations

A - La Horquetta
B - Sangre Grande
C - Mayaro
D - Mafeking
E - Las Lomas
F - St Helena

Magnitude

Rainfall level
117.6 mm in 24 hours
Crown Point - October 19 to October 20, 2018
Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) figures
Rainfall level
73.9 mm in 24 hours
Piarco - October 18 to October 19, 2018
Rainfall level
45.8 mm in 24 hours
Crown point - October 18 to October 19, 2018
River level
Overflowing
Guayamare river - October 19 to October 22, 2018
River level
Overflowing
Caroni river - October 19 to October 22, 2018
No details of river levels available. Trinidad's Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management said in a statement of 19 October “Currently, river levels have exceeded threshold levels and some have already over spilled their banks.” Media reports suggested the Guayamare and Caroni overflowed.

Damages

Evacuated
500 people
October 19 to October 22, 2018
estimated figure. 15 shelters were set up to house those displaced.
Houses damaged
2000 houses
October 19 to October 22, 2018
Estimated figure based on reports of affected areas and photos. Flood water was up to 1.5 metres deep in some areas, making roads impassable and leaving communities cut off.