TEMA: Agencies mobilised to help Tobago

SPECIALISED teams from the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Development and the Defence Force have been mobilised to assess damage, address immediate needs and co-ordinate recovery efforts in Tobago in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.

Apress release from TEMA on July 4 said the teams were divided into various units and dispatched to specific areas of Tobago, including Charlotteville, John Dial, Mt St George, Buccoo, Lambeau and Bacolet, to assist with roof repairs and tree-cutting and to do damage assessments and needs analysis.

Speaking with Newsday on July 4, TEMA director Allan Stewart said crews would remain on the ground in Tobago as restoration work continues throughout the island.

Eight families, comprising 35 members, were displaced by structural damage, roof repairs and flooding in their homes.

"They have been placed in emergency temporary locations for 72 hours and will be referred to the Social Services Department for further accommodation," the press release said.

As of July 4, the Tobago Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) had received two 236 reports of incidents, including: fallen trees partially blocking roadways; structural damage; roof-related reports; marine incidents; power outages; and flooded homes.