The government is warning the population that significant rainfall and flooding is likely to be experienced for the remainder of Saturday and into Sunday, and very possibly over the next five to six days.
At an emergency press conference, which began at 11:30 am, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Faris Al-Rawi said that Northern, Central, Eastern and Southern parts of Trinidad have already been impacted by flooding and landslides.
"We are experiencing significant rainfall. The Met Office has alerted that Trinidad and Tobago is experiencing a low-level trough…We expect it to go until Sunday and according to the Met Office, we can expect rain into the next 5-6 days. We have also been told by the Met. Office that we can expect six inches of rainfall. We are definitely going to experience significant flooding activity in the usual areas," Al-Rawi said.
Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan, also at the press conference, said that the country could experience some of the worst flooding it's experienced in some time, if chart readings are correct.
He asked people to stay at home and prepare as best possible.
He also warned people who live in areas that are not typically flood prone to prepare for the worst.
"This is unprecedented rainfall. Rivers are rising as we speak," he said.
"If you can avoid going on the road network, please do not go on the road network because it will complicate things for the movement of equipment, and you could be trapped in the flood waters."
Minister Al-Rawi said that the Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly will be in constant communication with him and other coordinators.
"The Minister of Education will monitor through our arrangements where we stand. What the conditions look like. What mobility will be, and during the course of tomorrow will come back to the nation to speak to the issues of schools," he said.
Minister Al-Rawi urged the population to conserve water as well because of the high levels of turbidity being experienced.
He said due to the high levels of turbidity, water supply from the major water stations cannot be turned on until the mud clears up.
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development said that the disaster management entities from all 14 Regional Corporations are in full gear.
He said sandbags and other assistance are available by contacting the relevant emergency contact numbers via the regional corporations.
Al-Rawi said shelters are available and although they have not been triggered yet, they are being prepared in case they are needed.
A YELLOW Level Adverse Weather Alert from the Meteorological Service has been in effect from 5 am on Saturday and is in place until 8pm.
However, it is possible that the alert can be extended into tomorrow and beyond.