Wednesday 24th October, 2018 4:30 P.M.
Clean up efforts and assessments continue across Trinidad and Tobago in communities affected by the adverse weather. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) remains activated and continues to coordinate response, relief distribution, damage assessments and clean-up operations in affected communities. The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (MORDLG) inclusive of the CEPEP Company Limited, the Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) inclusive of the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP), the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS), the Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force (TTCF), the Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management Company (SWMCOL) and the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS) are supporting these operations.
The MOWT has indicated that flood waters have subsided in the following areas:
Cedar Grove; Mafeking Village; Kelly Village; Madras Road; El Socorro North and Las Lomas.
Flood waters are still present in the El Socorro South and Bamboo areas; however, it is receding. Additionally, on the Manzanilla/Mayaro Road for 3-5 kilometres of the roadway, there are approximately 12 inches of flood water. Sedans and small cars are advised to avoid traversing the area. Large trucks and SUV’s are advised to proceed with caution. Motorists should expect traffic delays in these areas.
The MOWT are currently addressing a landslide on the North Coast Road in the vicinity of Tyrico Bay. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution and to expect traffic delays.
Clean up works are ongoing along the Lady Young Road by the MOWT. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution and to expect traffic delays.
The MORDLG and MSDFS are currently conducting damage assessments in communities in which flood waters have subsided. The MSDFS has advised that all persons who have been impacted by the adverse weather should keep evidence of the damaged items, as this is necessary for the effective distribution of grants. Damaged appliances and items should be placed in a secure location in your home or on your compound. Dumpsters have been provided by the Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management Company (SWMCOL) and the Municipal Corporations to support the correct disposal of waste.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised that there are no fatalities and no severe incident-related injury. The Las Cuevas Health Centre was closed to public today, due to the landslide on the North Coast Road. All other health facilities are up and running at this time.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) has indicated that several farmers have been impacted by the adverse weather and damage assessments has commenced.
The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has advised that water quality has not been compromised. The Tompier and Quaire water treatment plants are not operational. The Caroni Water Treatment Plant has reduced operability. Repair works are ongoing to ensure operations return to full capacity.
The Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) has ended its free shuttle service from San Fernando to Port-of-Spain.
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has advised that electricity was restored to 90 percent (%) of customers in the Greenvale Community. Further site assessments in the area are ongoing. All other areas are operational.
Emergency shelters in three regional corporations are still open. [See attachment for an updated listing].
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago thanks all state agencies, civil society groups and individuals who are supporting and assisting those in need.
Persons interested in donating goods and services should contact their municipal corporation. Persons wishing to provide a monetary contribution can do so by depositing to Trinidad and Tobago flood relief accounts created by the following banks:
First Citizens Bank Limited Account Number: 2536104
Scotia Bank Account Number: 4008209
RBC Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago Account Number: 110000003950633
Republic Bank Limited Account Number: 180 802 163 801
JMMB Bank Account Number: 6936300401
First Caribbean International Bank (Trinidad and Tobago) Account Number: 1005127
These funds will be channeled to non-governmental organizations to ensure that the relief items and contributions meet families impacted by the severe flooding.
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has advised that hot and sunny conditions will be interrupted by a few light to moderate showery spells. There is a 30% (low) chance of an afternoon heavy shower or thunderstorm mainly near hilly or western areas in Trinidad. Tonight patchy cloudiness is expected with a few showers at times. Gusty winds and street or flash flooding can occur in the vicinity of heavy showers or thunderstorms.
The NEOC would like persons to take the following necessary precautions to preserve life and property. Persons are advised to protect themselves and family members from contaminants in flood waters. Floodwaters may carry silt, raw sewage, and microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. These can make food unsafe and cause diseases.
- After heavy rainfall, stay inside until water levels have subsided;
- Do not walk, play or drive through flood waters of unknown depth and current;
- If you must walk through a flood, use a stick to determine the firmness of the ground as well as the depth of the water in front of you;
- Wear personal protective equipment, including rubber boots, rubber gloves and goggles during clean-up of affected areas. Wear closed-toe shoes, long-sleeves and full-length pants;
- Use rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands;
- Keep children and pets out of the affected area until clean-up has been completed.
- Open as many windows as possible to allow air flow;
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture,
countertops, appliances, sinks and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and household bleach solution; - After completing the clean-up, wash your hands with soap and clean water;
- Wash all clothes worn during the clean-up in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
Citizens should continue to monitor the website and social media profiles of the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management. Visit www.metoffice.gov.tt or wwww.odpm.gov.tt.