SITUATION UPDATE # 4

Caroni River over-tops during the night; clean up/relief efforts to continue

During the night, the Caroni River over-topped its banks in the areas of St Helena, Spring Village, St Augustine South and Bamboo Settlement.

N.B. Orange Grove Road, St Augustine South remains closed until further notice. Drivers are also asked to avoid Trentrail Road in St Augustine South as work is ongoing.

Please note the following actions which were taken last night:-

• 650 inflatable sand bags were distributed to residents in St Helena/Piarco;
• The 1^st Engineer Battalion of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force assisted with the relocation of residents from St Helena. These residents were taken to homes in Arouca and San Juan.

Today, the following is being done:-

• The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure’s Drainage Division is pumping out flood water from the impacted areas in Bamboo;
• 1^st Engineer Battalion of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force  will be conducting damage assessments/needs analyses in the areas of Valsayn, Bamboo #1/ Bamboo # 2;
• Clean up crews from the CEPEP will be in Valsayn, Bamboo #1 and Bamboo #2;
• Disaster Management Units of the municipal corporations are also expected to be out in the fields conducting damage assessments;
• Arrangements are being made to open a shelter to accommodate the most adversely affected in the Tunapuna/Piarco region.

Clean up efforts may take longer than expected due to slow water runoff and water-logged soil but we assure citizens that the ODPM, as the lead coordinator, continues to work with all first responders and critical agencies to ensure that those adversely affected receive the attention. Of highest priority to us are the differently-abled, the very young, the elderly and pregnant women.

We underscore the following:-

• TT MET SERVICE has advised that further rain is expected today;
• Avoid driving on damaged roadways and areas prone to land slippage (e.g., steep hillsides);
• Avoid walking or driving in flood-impacted areas as there is the serious threat of snakes and other reptiles in these water;
• Help neighbours, family and friends when possible;

Here are some cleaning tips for citizens:-

1. If there is still water in your home protect yourself by wearing rubber boots and gloves.
2. On entering your home, look out for broken sharp objects on the floor and anything you may trip over before moving on to restoration.
3. Turn off the electricity off at the breaker box and get all electrical appliances and extension chords up on higher ground and dry them out.
4. Wash down any areas of the home that came into contact with flood waters with a mixture of household bleach and water (25 % bleach to water solution) to reduce surface damage and health problems.
5. Wash and dry everything you possibly can after a flood. Wash and dry soaked bedding, towels, and any items of clothing using the hot sanitizing cycle on your washing machine.
6. Clean all affected surfaces thoroughly. Wash all surface area damage, such as walls, cabinets, basement floors (include areas that were not in direct contact with flood waters) with the bleach solution. Then wipe down again with plain water.
7. Remove all dry wall up to two (2) ft above flood levels on wall and remove all insulation which came into contact with flood waters. Keep ventilating with fresh air until the house is completely dry.
8. Have a professional inspect your plumbing and electrical systems after a flooding event. Replace all filters and switches.

The ODPM reminds all citizens that if they have been affected by this weather, they must contact their municipal corporation or the ODPM at 800 6376.

Issued by:-

Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit

640 1285 / publicinfo.odpm@gmail.com