Schoolbooks, household items destroyed in Gasparillo floodwaters

Just a few days before classes are to start virtually on Monday, several schoolchildren in Gasparillo and environs have been left devastated as many of their books were destroyed in floodwaters on Thursday. Parents tried to salvage a few of the books by putting them to dry, but this did not work. Stationery, book bags and shoes also had to be thrown away.

Father Sunil Rampersad said Thursday’s flooding was one of the worst he has seen in the area.

“We lost so much. Look at all the books that have to be thrown away. We tried to save some. In total I would say about $20,000 in appliances, furniture and books were lost.”

Another resident Sandra Ramcharitar said she spent Thursday night cleaning until morning. “We all came together cleaning and closed up at four o’clock this morning. Today (Friday) we got up and started all over again.”

Ramcharitar said officials from the Disaster Preparedness Unit visited them and brought mattress and cleaning detergent.

She said the flooding was worsened after people built houses without official approval. She said there is also a nearby river which needs to be cleaned.

Residents are calling on the authorities to visit the affected areas and do an assessment to avoid further damage to their properties and belongings.