Fallen trees are now being cleared in Penal as emergency response teams try to reach families trapped by overnight floods.
Speaking to Guardian Media today, Chairman of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation, Dr Allen Sammy, said his area has suffered the worst floods since 2019.
"Those who live close to the riverbanks along the South Oropouche River are feeling the brunt, Sammy said.
Chairman of the Penal Debe Regional Corporation Dr Allen Sammy looks at debris from a landslide at Wilson Road, caused by overnight rains. [Image by KRISTIAN DE SILVA]
"People are out on the fields and one of our units is clearing a landslide along Wilson Road where we have 20 feet of slippages. Several areas in Rochard Road and Penal Rock Road are flooded right now," Dr Sammy added.
He explained that flood waters have reached the eastern side of SS Erin Road at Mahadeo Trace, Ramai Trace and SS Erin Road.
He said that along the lower end of Debe Trace, the river has crossed the road.
Flood waters at Digity Trace, off Wilson Road. [Image by KRISTIAN DE SILVA]
"I am told the vehicles cannot pass. It is high tide and a spring tide and this is exacerbating the situation," he said.
Saying there will be severe flooding in Woodland, Dr Sammy said his teams have inflatable boats on standby to rescue trapped residents.
Meanwhile, president of the South Oropouche Riverine Flood Action Group, Edward Moodie, said 300 feet of the riverbank of the South Oropouche River at Tulsa Trace has been breached.
Fallen tress blocking the roadway in Penal. [Image courtesy the Penal Debe Regional Corporation]
"This is the worst we have seen for the entire year," Moodie said. “The bank has not been repaired and the water is now flowing inside the entire community quickly. All the roadside drains are filled and backing up into people’s homes.”
Moodie added that Tulsa Trace and Ragoonanan Trace are inaccessible at present.
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This is a developing story and Guardian Media will bring you more details as information comes to hand.
