Climate Change Editor
jean-marc.rampersad@
guardian.co.tt
After at least five hours of torrential rainfall led to extensive flash flooding across both Trinidad and Tobago yesterday, citizens have to brace for more today.
Last night, the T&T Meteorological Service (TTMS) upgraded the Riverine Flood Alert to an Orange Level, as several locations along the Caroni River basin were on the verge of overflowing their banks, with water levels on an upward trajectory, and three out of the four river level monitors along the Caroni River at or above 100 per cent.
In an interview with CNC3 News, Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen indicated that although flood pumps were already operational in the Bamboo communities, water levels were still rising. She said sandbags could be collected at the respective Disaster Management Units (DMU’s) to aid in mitigating any potential flood damage.
The minister urged those living in flood-prone areas not to wait until the water reached critical levels to take action.
She also suggested that residents elevate the furniture in their homes to prevent possible losses. In extreme cases, she said, if the water reaches life-threatening levels, residents should consider evacuating their home and contact their local DMU for shelter information.
Riverine flooding is usually the result of several days of rainfall, and after the heavy downpours on Tuesday, all eyes were on the Caroni and North Oropouche River basins heading into yesterday. Isolated showers during the morning quickly increased in frequency and intensity, with thunderstorms developing over Trinidad by the late morning. By the afternoon, there was widespread heavy rainfall over both islands which persisted for several hours, prompting a 24-hour extension of the Adverse Weather Alert to 4 pm today.
The near-continuous deluge began to overwhelm the smaller water courses across Trinidad, prompting the issuance of the Riverine Flood Alert at 6.30 pm by the TTMS, which was subsequently updated nearly three hours later.
Crown Point, Tobago, recorded about three inches of rainfall yesterday, with one report of flash flooding in that location. The Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) also reported two other disruptions—a landslide along Bad Rock Road, and galvanised sheets from a damaged roof partially blocking the junction of Buccoo Main Road and Periwinkle Road.
The TTMS said there was a 60 per cent chance of isolated thunderstorms this morning. With the ground already saturated, there is an increased risk of flash flooding and landslides in areas so prone.
Gusty winds can still be expected to accompany heavy downpours, and they can also temporarily agitate sea conditions.
The TTMS also advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded areas and take extra caution on the nation’s roadways.
Even though the alert is valid until 4 pm today, another tropical wave is expected to bring additional rainfall early tomorrow, potentially exacerbating the riverine flooding.
T&T is also in a spring tide period (higher than normal high tides) and run-off at high tide times can be slow.