Education Ministry on high alert as bad weather raises river levels, flood risk

The TT Meteorological Service extended its yellow level adverse weather alert to June 12 at 4 pm, as flooding took place across the island on a second day of consistent heavy rains. A yellow-level riverine flood alert was issued at 6.30 pm on June 11, ending at 6 pm on June 12. That alert was later on June 11 upgraded by the Met Office to orange-level at 9.15 pm.

On June 11, flash flooding was reported in Arima, while there was flooding on the Malabar Main Road, off Koon Koon Street, in the vicinity of the bridge; the Eastern Main Road, San Juan in the vicinity of the banking district; Las Lomas No 2; the Eastern Main Road, Champs Fleur in the vicinity of Champs Fleur lights; Railway Road and Barker Trace, Coal Mine, Sangre Grande; Enterprise, Chaguanas; Gonzales Road in Point Fortin; the Western Main Road, Cocorite in the vicinity of the flyover, which rendered two of the three lanes impassable; Saddle Road, Maraval; and Ariapita Avenue, Charles Street, Scott-Buche Street, Sackville Street and Wrightson Road in Port of Spain, and City Gate, South Quay, Port of Spain.

Newsday saw commuters waiting for transport throughout the capital city.

As of 8 pm on June 11, the Arouca River was at 68 (48) per cent capacity, the Caroni River at Bamboo Settlement No 3 was at 79 (66) per cent capacity, the El Carmen River was at 94 (58) per cent capacity, the North Oropouche River at Toco Road was at 66 (40) per cent capacity, the South Oropouche River was at 74 (56) per cent capacity, the Guaracara River was at 34 (27) per cent capacity, the Cipero River was at 32 (43) per cent capacity, the Caroni Tumpuna River was at 96 (51) per cent capacity, the San Juan River was at 36 (21) per cent capacity, the Manuel Congo River was at 108 (23) per cent capacity, the Cunupia River was at 68 (29) per cent capacity, the Couva River was at 33 (eight) per cent capacity, the Maraval River was at 27 (11) per cent capacity, the Diego Martin River was at 47 (34) per cent capacity and the Caura River was at 53 (37) per cent capacity. No figure was given for the Caparo River. The numbers in brackets were the levels at 3.15 pm on June 11.

The riverine alert said ongoing rainfall activity compounded with previous rainfall accumulations led to major river levels rising at significant rates, especially at points along the Caroni river. It said the Manuel Congo river was also approaching critical thresholds. It said periods of rainfall would likely continue over the next 24 hours, which will result in further elevation of these river levels.

The Met Service said there was a severe risk to public safety, livelihood and property in communities surrounding these rivers. Other major rivers, including the North and South Oropouche, were rising at relatively lower rates, but were also being monitored closely.

It said run-off would be slow at high tide, which would be at 4 am and 5.26 pm on June 12.

Aripo road collapse worsening

The partial collapse of the Aripo Main Road which began on June 10 worsened. Arima MP Pennelope Beckles said the principal of the Arima RC Primary School expressed concern about the teachers being able to reach the school.

“In talking to people, the landslide is bad. I will be visiting tomorrow.

“The national test is next week, so having a disruption to classes is problematic.”

Aranguez/ Warner Village councillor Amit Sooknanan said there had been no reports of flooding in the area, which a few weeks ago saw heavy flooding affecting farmers in the area.

“We haven’t seen any flooding yet thankfully. I believe the amount of work we have been doing through the Local Government Ministry’s flood mitigation programme that is taking place and the Ministry of Agriculture, with the work they have been doing, and the San Juan Laventille Regional Corporation annual drainage programme, I think all those agencies combined, has definitely resolved a lot of issues, especially when it comes to flash flooding. We haven’t seen that yet, and by now the water would have come up and gone back down as it took its course, but that has not happened as yet.”

The weather event, which began early on June 10, caused flooding, fallen trees, landslips and landslides on Tuesday.

The Met Service said there is a medium (60 per cent) chance for periodic heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms to return during the early morning. There is an increased risk of street flooding and landslides/landslips, particularly in areas with saturated soils.

It said major rivers are currently below significant thresholds, however they are steadily rising as a result of Wednesday's rainfall. In the event of heavy rainfall, smaller watercourses may rise rapidly and overtop in some areas.

It said winds may become gusty in the vicinity of heavy showers/thunderstorms. These winds may further agitate sea conditions, displace loose outdoor items and even topple unstable trees.

The Met Office said people in flood and landslide prone areas are urged to remain alert, take precautions where necessary and monitor official updates. Motorists and residents in flood-prone areas should avoid flooded areas and exercise caution. Loose outdoor objects should be secured and the population should take the necessary precautions to mitigate potential impacts.

MoE: Flood risk, school operations being monitored

In a statement issued late on June 11, the Ministry of Education said it continued to monitor weather conditions across the country.

"The ministry is in close and continuous communication with the TT Meteorological Service and the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government to receive timely updates and advisories."

It said particular attention was being paid to riverine levels and the potential for flooding in areas identified as vulnerable.

"As weather conditions continue to develop, and in accordance with guidance received from the relevant authorities, the Ministry of Education will provide an update to inform the public of any necessary changes to school operations.