Flash flooding struck in the dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago following heavy rain brought by a tropical disturbance.
On 04 October 2022 Trinidad and Tobago Met Services issued a Yellow Alert for potential hazardous weather related to the tropical disturbance referred to as Invest 91L.
The heavy rain caused widespread flooding along the nation’s major roadways. At least one bridge has been closed, as have many schools. Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross reported flooding in eastern parts of Trinidad island, including Arouca, Arima, Tunapuna, Sangre Grande, Piarco and St. Helena. In many incidents the heavy rain had caused roadside drains to overtop their banks causing water to spill out onto roadways and into homes.
The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government reported a total of 75 incidents of flooding, including 36 in Tunapuna–Piarco region and 23 in Sangre Grande region. There were also 18 occurrences of landslides, along with around 11 incidents of wind damage.
Hunters Search and Rescue Team reported two people were swept away by flood waters after attempting to cross a tributary of the Lopinot River in the village of Lopinot in Tunapuna–Piarco Region. One person managed to get out of the river and was treated in hospital for minor injuries. Search and rescue teams are working in the area to find the second person.
Other rivers, including the Caroni River, have also started to rise. Authorities warned that “continued inclement weather has resulted in elevated riverine levels. Please be advised that the Caroni River may have begun breaching its bank, affecting some communities. We urge the public to take caution.”
Social Media
This vehicle was washed into a drain along Dunderhill Road in Arouca.
Video by Akash Samaroo pic.twitter.com/glZRVdIiGh— CNC3TV (@CNC3TV) October 5, 2022
🌊River Level Advisory Wednesday 5th October 2022 as of 3pm.
Continued inclement weather has resulted in elevated riverine levels. Due to High Tides, the Public should expect slower water runoff.
Affected communities are urged to call their Disaster Management Units.#RDLG pic.twitter.com/DT00F93nIj— MoRDLG TT (@rdlgtt) October 5, 2022
