By 10 am yesterday, many of the items to protect properties during a storm were sold out at the Northern Hardware in Diego Martin.
This as Trinidad and Tobago prepared for an approaching tropical cyclone.
“Since morning, I should say yesterday (Monday) evening, people coming in buying a lot of flashlights, batteries, sandbags, tarpaulins, plastic, all those things finished,” employee Shaheeda Hutchinson said.
A new batch of mops arrived while Guardian Media was there.
“That is the last one and what it is going on with it is it have a malfunction, so that is why he end up staying here,” another employee said while he showed Guardian Media the only remaining flashlight.
Supermarkets were also busy next door at West Bee’s Supermarket, as many people came out early to get their basic supplies. Items such as toilet paper, canned food, candles and water went quickly.
Some people ran away from work to ensure they were prepared.
“Now is back to work and then home,” shopper Michelle Mendez said.
Mendez said she did her usual month-end shopping also.
Josanne Francis, who came to T&T to vacation and celebrate her mother’s birthday, did the same.
“We did some extra supplies, some extra water, extra flour and stuff like that just to make sure because you never know what can happen,” she said.
Shelter manager at the Diego Martin Central Community Centre, Jason Boodhan, was also seen purchasing basic items for the facility.
“Water, we have some paper towels, we have some tea and coffee and stuff,” he said.
Boodhan said they also received sleeping equipment from the Diego Martin Regional Corporation as they prepared for people from the area.
“More the hilly areas, off the main road, the Bagatelle area, more those places, sometimes St Lucien Road,” he said.
Staff member of St Jude’s School for Girls, Ronald Latchman, was also spotted purchasing basic supplies for the residents.
“The place is very secured,“ he said.
Latchman said they have already spoken to the girls about what was happening.
The lines were long outside PriceSmart in Port-of-Spain even before the warehouse opened. Many said they came to do their regular month-end shopping but some people like Elton Pouchet went for last-minute storm supplies.
“Today, I realised I am a little short of batteries and water so I came here to pick up those few things and whatever I see we may need,” he said.
At St Christopher’s Service Station, on Wrightson Road, one pump attendant said there was a steady flow of customers but more than usual. Lines were also seen at gas stations in Diego Martin and in other parts of Port-of-Spain.