PUBLIC ADVISORY

TAKE PRECAUTIONS IN LIGHT OF RIVERINE FLOODING & ADVERSE WEATHER

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) is advising persons residing or traversing flood and landslip prone areas, to be prepared and take the necessary action to reduce the impact of inclement weather. This follows the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) elevating the Riverine Flood Alert to Orange Level today and an upcoming Adverse Weather Alert #1 - Yellow Level which will take effect from 2:00 am on Thursday 10 November until Friday 11 November at 4:00 pm.

A combination of features including the ITCZ and low - level troughs are expected to affect the region. Consequently, periods of rain/showers of varying intensities are expected to continue, with a medium to high (60 - 70%) chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms that could produce intense rainfall in excess of 50mm.

These conditions are expected to continue over the next 36 - 48 hours, which will result in further elevation of river levels. The situation will be exacerbated as runoff would be slow at high tide, which are approximately 4:14 pm today (09 Nov, 2022) and 5:17 am and 4:45 pm tomorrow (10 Nov, 2022). In combination, the circumstances will result in a high risk to public safety, livelihoods and property.

 Street/flash flooding and localised ponding also are likely in areas of heavy downpours. Thus far, numerous incidents of street and residential flooding have been reported in the following areas: Enterprise Village, Cunupia, Las Lomas, Chaguanas, Couva, Chase Village, Gasparillo, Chandernagore, Freeport, Preysal, Carapichaima, Moruga, Penal, Barrackpore, Fyzabad, Siparia, Sangre Grande, Guaico, and Lower Cumuto.

Additionally, landslides/landslips are possible in susceptible areas, as the land is already saturated. Landslides have been reported in Claxton Bay, Barrackpore, Penal and Moriah in Tobago. The public is advised to carefully monitor weather conditions and river/water levels.

While we experience this Riverine Flooding and Adverse Weather, the ODPM also reminds persons to take the following precautions to preserve life, livelihoods and property:

Know and Reduce Your Risks

1. Firstly, stay informed by looking out for alerts, warnings, and public safety information from official sources like the ODPM, TTMS and T&TEC, Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government.
2. Do not walk, play or drive through flood waters unless it becomes absolutely necessary.
3. Be cautious when walking /driving along hillsides or landslide-prone areas.

Make/Review Emergency/Business Continuity Plans

4. Review and update your family emergency plans. If you live or work in an area that is prone to flooding, please adequately prepare for the possibility of an evacuation.
5. Identify easily accessible and safe locations to meet in the event that you are separated. Prepare for the specific needs of your family, which may differ if you have pets, people with special needs.

Prepare Emergency Resources

6. Assemble an emergency kit with enough essential items to last you and your family 3-7 days. Also, prepare a Grab and Go Bag/Kit for each family member, with essential items in the event you need to evacuate.
7. Ensure that all your important documents are stored in a waterproof bag.

Act and Assist Others

8. Prepare for flooding by elevating items above ground level and unplugging sensitive electronic equipment.
9. If you are in an area where flood risk is high, keep sandbags on hand. These can be acquired from your local municipal corporation.

End

Issued by:

Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit

Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management

Please click here to download the public advisory.