Flood relief and recovery efforts continue in communities affected by the adverse weather which occurred between Thursday 18th October, 2018 and Monday 22nd October, 2018. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) remains activated and continues to coordinate relief distribution, damage assessments and clean-up operations in affected communities. The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (MRDLG) 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), the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS), the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society (TTRCS), volunteers and various civil society organisations are supporting these operations.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) wishes to remind the public that the Disaster Management Units (DMU) within the Municipal Corporations, Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, are responsible for the issuance of Flood Report Letters to impacted persons from the recent flooding. These Flood Report Letters can be used to support claims to insurance companies, furniture stores and other relevant establishments.
Persons are asked to visit their respective Municipal Corporations to request these letters [See contact listing attached].
The National Disaster Relief Collection and Distribution Point at the National Tennis Court, Tacarigua has been closed. All relief items were distributed to various affected municipalities. 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
The monies collected from the Trinidad and Tobago Flood Relief Accounts will be given to the Living Waters Community. The Living Waters Community will conduct needs assessments, purchase supplies and distribute to affected persons through other non-governmental organisations. Members of the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora can make deposits into the Flood Relief Accounts via their respective foreign banks.
Aegis Outsourcing and Advisory Services has been contracted to audit Trinidad and Tobago Flood Relief Accounts.
The MORDLG and the MSDFS continued damage assessments in various communities in the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation, Chaguanas Borough Corporation and Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation.
The MSDFS began the disbursement of flood relief cheques to persons affected by the recent flooding. The MSDFS has advised that applicants will be contacted directly via telephone to collect their cheque.
Emergency shelters remain open in the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation [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.
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has advised that tonight will be mostly clear. Tomorrow is forecasted to be generally hot and sunny with a low chance of the isolated afternoon shower and a mostly clear night.
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.
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 properly 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.