MEDIA RELEASE

Response and relief efforts continue in the affected areas

Situation Update

Flooding was reported in the following areas:

• Port of Spain
• Woodbrook
• St James
• Maraval
• Cocorite
• Diego Martin
• Petit Valley

Landslides were reported in the following areas:

• Debe, Dundonald Hill, Upper Bournes Road (St. James)
• Hutton Road (St. Ann’s)
• La Seiva / Morne Coco Road (Maraval)
• Alyce Glen (Petit Valley)

Collapsed house in the following areas:

• Debe (St. James)

Citizens heading East on the Western Main Road are asked to exercise caution as roadsmay still have some debris.

Actions

• An aerial reconnaissance was conducted by the ODPM in order to coordinate response and relief efforts;
• The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service was out assisting with traffic control primarily in the areas of the Foreshore, Western Main Road and Saddle Road, Maraval;
• The Disaster Management Units of the POS City Corporation, Diego Martin Regional Corporation and San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation visited areas adversely affected. (A visit was also made to the Princess Elizabeth Home in Woodbrook);
• The Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service responded to residents that were marooned in flood waters;
• The 1^st Engineer Battalion of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force dispatched two teams to assist with damage assessments in the affected areas.
• A shelter will be opened at the North Diego Martin Community Centre to facilitate those that have been adversely affected.

The ODPM, as the lead coordinator, continues to work with all first responders and critical agencies to ensure that the adversely affected  receive attention and assistance. Of highest priority to us are the differently-abled, very young, elderly and pregnant women.

Cleaning Tips- After a Flood

For those who were impacted by today’s flooding, the following are some cleaning tips:

1. If there is still water in your home protect yourself bywearing 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 waterswith 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. Have a professional inspect your plumbing and electrical systems after a flooding event. Replace all filters and switches

We urge citizens that have been affected by flooding to contact their municipal corporation or the ODPM at 800 6376.