The first steps of rebuilding after a disaster are always the hardest but with the aid of helping hands, thousands of people who lost almost all of their possessions after floodwaters swept through their homes are beginning to slowly recover.
Citizens abroad are also reaching out to help and organising relief drives to gather much-needed supplies to send to T&T.
Attention has now turned to the spread of potential diseases which come after such natural disasters and clearing debris from waterways. Consumers are also being advised to be careful when purchasing vegetables and other organic foods.
In communities such as Sangre Grande, St Helena, Las Lomas, La Horquetta and Mayaro, many people are stocking up on aid distributed by generous corporate citizens, small companies and individuals.
They are receiving care packages, cleaning supplies, basic food and water and urgent medication.
While not all of the affected people have been reached, authorities are insisting they will get the necessary aid.
In several villages, mounds of discarded furniture, appliances, clothing, books and other items are piled along the roadways as homeowners wash away the thick sludge left behind after last weekend’s floods. Others have filled out forms seeking grants provided by the Ministry of Social Service and are awaiting assessment by government officials.
The co-operation of the State, citizens, businesses, NGOs and religious organisations have spawned a movement rarely seen in the country.
Many citizens have applauded the teamwork and long for it to continue.
Teams such as the Red Force and former national footballers intend to donate to flood victims.
In an effort to capture this huge outpouring of support to those in need at this time and in order to provide a single platform and vehicle for sharing critical information, the Guardian Media Group has created an initiative called Flood of Relief.
The platform provides a real-time avenue for the sharing of flood heroes, health tips and traffic alerts. It also highlighted the good of our people.
We will continue to use this medium to educate and inform the public on the resources available to those affected and open a channel through which you can respond with support which you may wish to give and the means of doing so.
Contributors
Chairman of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, Norman Sabga, has announced a one million dollar initial donation in goods to the areas affected.
More support has also come through:
The Agostini Group of Companies
The Prestige Group of Companies
Sagicor
Dairy Dairy
Colin Sabga (Iceland)
FireOne Fireworks and Fineline
Distributors.
Hadco
Massy
Blue Waters
Global Brands (Pizza Boys)
Nutrimix
BPTT
Government Ministries
Optometrists Today
People’s National Movement
United National Congress
Coosal’s Group of Companies
Sandals Foundation
National Flour Mills
Pizza Boys
Pennywise
All regional corporations
Gobin Property Rentals
Lions Club of Chaguanas
Tropical Power
Sagicor
AMCO
Lensyl
SEWA TT
Help is available by writing to floodrelief@guardian.co.tt
Follow the stories of recovery at http://www.guardian.co.tt/flood
Follow the stories of relief at http://www.cnc3.co.tt
Follow the relief efforts at www.http://www.guardian.co.tt
Email us your information at floodrelief@guardian.co.tt
visit http://www.guardian.co.tt/flood for real-time updates
Contact Nos
NORTH
Felicia Holder - 769-4590
Richard Blazie - 498-6085
Janice Learmond-Criqui - 290-8171
CENTRAL
Anthony de Four - 688-4012
Lorena Lucien- 388-4330
EAST
Sateesh Ramsaran - 796-8172
Adisa - 347-7260
Christoph Samlal - 740-6769
SOUTH
Michelle Davis - 314-8429
BATT relief aid accounts
The Bankers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT) has created an account in the name of T&T Flood Relief.
Each of BATT’s member banks has opened an account and invites the public to make financial donations to assist these affected communities in their recovery process.
List of created Bank Accounts
Account number
Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Limited - 4008209
First Citizens Bank Limited - 2536104
RBC Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago - 110000003950633
Republic Bank Limited - 180 802 163 801
JMMB Bank - 6936300401
First Caribbean International Bank (Trinidad and Tobago) - 1005127
Grants available through Ministry of Social Services
School supplies grant: $700 for primary school students and $1,000 for secondary and tertiary schools
Household repairs: Up to $20,000
Household items: Up to $10,000 to replace a living and dining room set, beds with mattresses, washing machines, stoves, fridges, chest of drawers, clothing grant, $1,000 per family member affected
Food Support: $410, $500 and $700 based on family size