For the sixth time in just over a month, residents of the Caroni River Basin are under threat as the Caroni River crosses 90 per cent capacity, prompting the Met Service to issue a Riverine Flood Alert (Yellow Level).
The alert went into effect for the Caroni River Basin and its tributaries from 4:00 PM Monday, November 21st 2022 and remains in effect through 8:00 PM Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022.
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, “After rainfall overnight and today, river levels along the Caroni River are currently near 90% and continue to rise. With occasional periods of heavy showers still likely over the next 24 hours, this additional rainfall can keep the river levels elevated, so there remains a moderate risk to public safety, livelihood and property.”
The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government issued a River Level Advisory at 3:00 PM Monday stating the Caroni River upstream at El Carmen was at 90 per cent capacity while downstream at Bamboo Settlement at 70 per cent capacity. The North Oropuche River at Toco Road was at 60 per cent capacity, while the Aripo River and Arouca River remained below 50 per cent capacity.
This is a moderate severity Riverine Flood Alert. This means there is the potential for possible injuries, with behavioural changes required to ensure safety. There may be minor property damage, with income-earning temporarily disrupted, and a couple of communities may be affected.
The Met Office advises the public to monitor weather conditions and river levels before venturing out, avoid areas with flood water, monitor updates from official sources, plan safety measures, including emergency supplies of food and water, not take unnecessary risks and follow the instructions of government officials.
