A yellow-level adverse weather alert was discontinued at 11.49 am on September 14.
The Met Office issued the alert from 4 am-12 pm on Sunday.
It then said that there was a medium chance (40-60 per cent) of isolated heavy showers and thunderstorm activity associated with a trough and low-level convergence.
However, before the stated end time, the office discontinued the alert saying conditions had become generally settled after intense thunderstorms on Sunday morning.
“A few showers and isolated thunderstorms are still possible, but the risk of impactful weather conditions will continue to decrease as the day progresses,” it added.
There were reports of some weather events with one Manzanilla resident posting a video of a waterspout. The alert said the weather system would mainly affect areas in Tobago and eastern Trinidad.
THE Met Office says the main area of weather associated with low-pressure system AL96 is now west of the Windward Islands and moving quickly westwards into the Caribbean Sea.
This means any threat from this system is no longer significant for Trinidad and Tobago or the Windward Islands.
The tropical wave AL96 was previously affecting the Windward Islands, with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds already affecting parts of the region.
Despite the initial activity, environmental conditions were only somewhat favourable for further development of the system.
Most weather activity associated with AL96 was expected to remain north of Trinidad and Tobago but the Met Office forecast a medium (40 per cent) chance of isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds affecting the region.
The US National Hurricane Center assessed the system, giving it a low (ten per cent) chance of developing into a tropical depression over the next 48 hours and a 20 per cent chance over the next seven days.
AFTER months of drought that negatively affected crop production, Tobago farmers are relieved but nervous as heavy rain drenched the island for approximately four hours on June 10.
The Met Office has forecast more rain for the rest of the week.
The rainy season officially started on May 25, with farmers desperate for a brutal dry season, which saw water restrictions in place, to end.
Head of the Goldsborough Farmers Association, Roland Murray, said he doesn’t know what to expect now that the heavens have opened.
“You have to determine when you want to water your crops. You can’t wait on rain, because sometimes you might have excessive rain which could damage your crops.
“Then you would have dry spell for another two weeks, so the plants come from the watering era into this stressful dry period.”
Murray said there hasn’t been enough rain to have any huge impact as yet.
“We’re hoping that we don’t get too much rain at any one time. We hoping that we get the rain off and on, because too much rain now will put us in a bad position again, because you’re coming from a severe dry season into a wet, wet season which wouldn’t agree with the plants at all.”
He added: “Right now I have down an acre of melon, and it now start to run, but if I get too much rain, I could lose it.”
He said he has received a lot of calls from farmers who are telling him the ground is still hard.
“Up to this morning, I was talking to a farmer who said the ground was still hard, so the water really hasn’t gone anywhere as yet.”
He described the recent drought as “a terrible time” for farmers.
“The dry season was really severe this time around and farmers are really facing a terrible time. Even the plants, you’re seeing the stress on the plants itself.
“Farmers were affected badly, the production level cut a lot, only farmers who have access to the river in close proximity (thrived), and that is only 15 per cent. Other than that the rest of farmers suffered tremendously.”
Head of the Argyle United Farmers Development Group Ramish Radgman said he grows pawpaw, noting that there are a lot more farmers in the area. The amount of rainfall, he said, is a cause for concern.
“The drainage system in Argyle is in the worst state that you could ever think about. The rains is making farming worse because the drainage system is deplorable.
“You have no proper drainage system, no proper roads – as a matter of fact, you can’t even go on to the lands as the rains is falling because the roadway is immersed in water. There is no proper run-off system, it is only dirt – no proper drainage.”
He does not see food security and food sustainability for the island in the near future.
“All of that is just old talk and mamaguy. If the powers that be is really serious, the people that really want to do serious farming, they would get behind them and let us try to provide food for the people of Tobago and by extension Trinidad and the world, because I am seeing more talk than action.”
He described the recent dry season as very bad.
“I don’t think there was ever a time worse.
“In an effort for plants to grow, you need a certain amount of water. You don’t have to wet the plants by drowning the plants in water, but you need to give it enough water so that it can dehydrate itself. We did not have any water at all and added to that, the sun was intense, so just imagine.”
Plymouth farmer Olive James said she is thankful for the rain.
“It is helping, as I have a lot more water tanks which also collect the rainwater.
“But not everybody is fortunate to get more water tanks. Everybody does not have the financial resource to invest in more tanks.”
She said during the drought, a new WASA booster helped supply water but the consistency was a major issue.
“You go to bed in the night and maybe at sometimes at 1am or 2am, you hear the water in the line so of course you have to get up, and when watering the plants the water just goes – you would swear someone switched off the pipe.
“It has been terrible to the point where I couldn’t even grow lettuce.”
She said if food security is the goal, then a consistent water supply is needed.
“We cannot continue like this – if we are talking food security, we need a more consistent flow of water, as that is the first ingredient and the last ingredient as it relates to farming. Or even better yet, the Ministry of Agriculture could donate some 1,000-gallon tanks to the farmers on the island. Something needs to be done.”
The Met Office has discontinued its hazardous seas alert which went into effect on Wednesday.
In a release issued on Saturday, the Met Office said despite isolated high-energy breaking waves along near-shore northern and north-eastern coastlines of Trinidad and Tobago, the significant risk posed by north-easterly swells has diminished and conditions are expected to gradually normalise.
It said as always, all marine interests should continue to monitor sea conditions when engaging in any sea-related activities.
It asked interested people to stay informed by checking updates from the official weather source, the TTMS, at www.metoffice.gov.tt.
The yellow-level hazardous-seas advisory from the Met Office, which was issued on Monday and was due to end on Thursday, has been extended until Saturday.
The primary areas still affected by this alert include the northern, eastern and western coastal regions of Trinidad.
The northern coastal areas of Trinidad will continue to experience long-period swells, accompanied by occasional battering waves.
The northern and northeastern exposed coastal areas of Tobago, along with the northeastern and western coastal areas of Trinidad, are expected to face the same conditions. Occasional battering waves are expected, particularly during high tides.
Mariners, beachgoers and coastal communities are strongly advised to closely monitor sea conditions, especially during high tides, and exercise caution.
The Met Office has issued two weather alerts, bringing attention to a potentially hazardous hot spell and sea conditions.
On Monday, the Met Office declared its third yellow-level hot spell alert. There is an 80 per cent chance of extremely high daily temperatures until October 16.
During this week, temperatures are projected to reach or exceed 34C in Trinidad and 33C or higher in Tobago. After October 16, temperatures are expected to return to normal levels.
The hottest hours of the day are typically between 10 am and 4 pm.
To cope with the heat, people are strongly advised to wear appropriate clothing, stay well-hydrated and avoid direct exposure to sunlight, to prevent sunburn. It is recommended to keep homes well ventilated to fight the heat.
In a separate alert also issued on Monday, the office issued a yellow-level hazardous-seas alert until Thursday.
The primary areas affected by this alert include the northern, eastern, and western coastal regions of Trinidad.
The northern coastal areas of Trinidad will experience long period swells, accompanied by occasional battering waves. The northern and northeastern exposed coastal areas of Tobago, along with the northeastern and western coastal areas of Trinidad, are also expected to face the same conditions. Occasional battering waves are expected, particularly during high tides.
Mariners and coastal communities are strongly advised to closely monitor sea conditions, especially during high tides and exercise caution.
The Met Office has put Trinidad and Tobago under an adverse-weather yellow alert on Thursday from 5am until 5pm, starting in Tobago at midnight and including Trinidad from the early morning.
The Met Office said there is a 60-70 per cent (medium) chance of a thunderstorm with gusty winds over 55 kilometres per hour, especially near heavier showers or thunderstorms.
The release said heavy rainfall can lead to street and flash flooding with accompanying brief, gusty winds. The Met Office said localised ponding and landslips are likely to occur in at-risk areas. Isolated flash flooding can cause traffic disruptions.
Restrict outdoor activity; do not venture into flood waters. Beachgoers should also be careful, as rough seas can occur.
Hours after Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly told media heat was not a new problem in TT, the ministry issued a statement advising parents, teachers, and administrators to take precautionary measures against the high temperatures.
The advice was issued as a result of a yellow-level hot-spell warning issued by the TT Meteorological Service.
The Met Office said the extremely hot conditions would be felt during the next two weeks from September 15 to September 29.
It warned that there is an 80 per cent probability that temperatures near 34 degrees Celsius (°C) or greater would be felt across Trinidad with conditions in Tobago near 32.5 °C or greater.
It said “feel-like temperatures” will likely to range between 34 °C and 44 °C with the highest of these temperatures to be felt between 10 am and 4 pm.
Speaking with the media yesterday, Gadsby-Dolly was asked if the ministry had any special plans to deal with the heat.
She said people were “underestimating the operational supervision of teachers and principals” who have been dealing with heat for years.
“This has happened all the time. We are in a tropical country and it’s been hot.”
She added “That’s not new. It’s something we are accustomed managing and we continue that.”
On the topic of installing air-conditioning units in schools, Gadsby-Dolly said, “It’s a continuous process.”
She added “As we build new schools as we refurbish schools these things are taken into consideration.”
The Ministry of Education, in its statement, advised parents, teachers, and administrators to take precautionary measures, if required, to safeguard staff and students.
Those measures include ensuring students remain hydrated with water rather than sweetened or carbonated beverages and utilising available outdoor shaded spaces for class time where possible.
The ministry also suggested that administrators should monitor students’ exposure to direct sunlight and be on the look-out for any signs of heat-related illness displayed by students and staff.
Head of the Primary School Principals Association Carlene Hayes told Newsday the issue would be raised with the organisation’s membership and it would decide what measures might be best.
The heat is set to affect farmers too, as Cunupia-based farmer Isaac Abraham said they were now facing a manpower conundrum.
“We have to irrigate more but we can’t work whole day in this heat so somewhere along the line it will affect productivity and it’s also hard to get workers to work in this sun.”
He said the heat would also affect crops.
“The lifespan of all the crops will be less because heat damages them.”
Abraham said size and quality of the crops would also be affected by the extreme heat.
Employees of the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) will also get some relief from the heat.
CEPEP Chairman Joel Edwards told Newsday, “We have the workers’ interest at heart and we will be putting measures in place to ameliorate this hot spell.”
The Ministry of Health (MoH) issued a list of precautionary measures as it noted that very high temperatures can be dangerous.
It advised the public to stay hydrated by eating two to four serving of fruits daily, drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water and avoiding drinks with caffeine and alcohol.
People were also told to protect themselves from the heat by avoiding strenuous exercise between 10 am and 3 pm, staying indoors or in shaded areas when possible, taking frequent breaks or using hats and umbrellas while working outdoors, wearing loose-fitting lightweight and light coloured clothing, and using sunscreen.
The ministry said signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion include a body temperature higher than 39 °C; cold, pale and clammy skin; tiredness or weakness; dizziness and confusion; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; headache and fainting.
The Met Office has updated the yellow-level high winds alert to orange. The alert began at 8 am on Wednesday and is expected to end at 2 pm on Friday.
It is expected to affect TT and offshore areas.
It said gusts in excess of 60 kilometres per hour are observed especially where there is rain, where there are heavy downpours and thunderstorms, and downdrafts may exceed 75 kilometres per hour.
The Met Office said the winds may be brief but are capable of displacing unsecured roofs, loose outdoor objects, toppling trees and weak structures. Marine craft can be greatly impacted by these strong winds and visibility may be extremely low during dusk and dawn. Wind waves occasionally near 2.5 metres are also expected with agitated seas.
It advised people to secure loose outdoor objects and livestock and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity where possible. Marine interests should also exercise extreme caution during this period, monitor sea conditions and follow the instructions of lifeguards.
People are asked to monitor official news sources and weather updates from www.metoffice.gov.tt.
Caribbean governments should potentially prepare for very dry and very hot conditions, without ruling out the possibility of intense storms or hurricanes.
That was the warning UWI St Augustine issued to the Caribbean that it is likely that an El Niño event will emerge in the next few months.
El Niño is the term used to refer to warmer-than-usual ocean surface temperatures near the equator in the Pacific Ocean.
In a release, UWI STA said Pacific waters have been cooler than average over the past three years, owing to an unusually persistent La Niña (unusually cold ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific) which ended in March.
Now, it said, “Ocean temperatures in the Pacific, both at the surface and a few hundred metres below are warming so quickly that many major atmospheric centres globally are not only warning of emerging El Niño conditions but suggesting it may be a ‘significant’ event.”
It said research showed during an El Niño, the Caribbean is prone to be dry or very dry.
“The 2009-2010 and 2014-2016 droughts, considered two of the most severe to impact the Caribbean in recent memory, occurred during El Niño events. These events are also associated with a reduced number of hurricanes due to less than conducive conditions for development caused by stronger upper atmospheric winds.”
UWI noted that even if the El Niño does not develop, the end of the La Niña means that climate conditions will change from what the region has experienced over the last three years.
It said the Caribbean Sea is unusually warm for this time of year, which adds to the uncertainty about whether and how regional drought and hurricane-season activity will evolve this year as warm seas around the Caribbean eject more moisture and heat into the atmosphere. Very warm seas also affect coastal marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, and offshore fisheries may experience disruption of seasonal patterns and uncertain catches.
In addition to very hot days and nights and more heatwaves, the very warm Caribbean Sea may provide windows of opportunity for a very strong hurricane to develop, notwithstanding El Niño’s dampening effect, UWI said.
“For this reason, the region can never let down its guard as it only takes one hurricane or storm to cause immense economic setbacks to an impacted country and sometimes the entire region. We urge Caribbean governments, residents and other interests to continue paying close attention to shifts in global climate including the likely emergence of El Niño this year. We also urge them to draw upon the available resources and scientific expertise in the region in understanding the implications for Caribbean societies and in crafting their response.”
The Meteorological Service made a similar prediction about a possible El Niño event in its wet-season outlook.
The Met Office confirmed to Newsday that the start of the wet season has not yet been officially declared, as the conditions necessary to do so were not yet being experienced.
The Met Office issued a yellow-level adverse weather alert on Sunday, saying there was a 70 per cent chance of intermittent rain and isolated thunderstorms. The alert runs from May 21 at 10 pm-May 22 at 5 pm.
It said, “There is 70 per cent chance of intermittent rain/showers and isolated thunderstorms associated with the influx of equatorial moisture.
“This activity is expected to peak early tomorrow morning (May 22) and favour Tobago and eastern Trinidad. Street flooding is likely in heavy downpours and gusty winds in excess of 55 km/hr can accompany showers and thunderstorms.”
It asked the public to monitor weather conditions and not to go into floodwaters.
The Met Office is tracking a tropical wave that left the West African coast on April 30 and on Wednesday was around over 2,800 kilometres east of the Lesser Antilles.
It said on Wednesday morning, the tropical wave is expected to reach TT on Saturday evening and while it does not appear to be very active, there could still be some showers and thunderstorms.
The Met Office said if there is any measurable amount of rain according to its criteria, the 2023 rainy season will be declared for TT.
It has also issued a yellow-level hazardous sea alert in which conditions will be monitored from 2 pm on Wednesday to 2 pm on Saturday. The severity is expected to be moderate. The northern and eastern coastal areas of Tobago and the northern, eastern and western coastal areas of Trinidad are under this alert.
It said long-period swells are expected to affect the northern and eastern coastal areas of TT and to a lesser extent, the western coastal areas of Trinidad and with the presence of spring tides, occasional battering waves in these areas can occur, especially during high tides.
The Met Office said those who are venturing these areas should monitor near-shore and coastal sea conditions and exercise caution, especially at high tides.
It will also continue to closely monitor the tropical wave and keep people informed.
People are asked to continue to monitor updates at www.metoffice.gov.tt and access more information and instructions from www.odpm.gov.tt
The Met Office has issued a yellow-level hazardous sea alert for Wednesday until Saturday. Conditions will be monitored from 2 pm on Wednesday to 2 pm on Saturday. The severity is expected to be moderate.
The northern and eastern coastal areas of Tobago and the northern, eastern and western coastal areas of Trinidad are under this alert.
Long-period swells are expected to affect the northern and eastern coastal areas of TT and to a lesser extent, the western coastal areas of Trinidad.
It said with the presence of spring tides, occasional battering waves at coastal regions can occur, especially during high tides.
The Met Office said those who are venturing into these areas should monitor near-shore and coastal sea conditions and exercise caution, especially at high tides.
People are asked to continue to monitor updates at www.metoffice.gov.tt and access more information and instructions from www.odpm.gov.tt
The Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has reported three incidents caused by the bad weather on Tuesday.
The Met office issued a yellow-level weather alert from Tuesday until Wednesday morning.
A source at the agency told Newsday the incidents included a fallen tree, blocked drain and a landslide.
“We had a report of a fallen tree on a power line in Les Couteaux; T&TEC was on site to deal with that issue.
“We had a blocked drain as a result of heavy rainfall. URP was contacted to assist in cleaning the drain.
“And we also had a landslide partially on a house in Shirvan. The CERT team was on-site conducting preliminary damage assessments.”
She advised people to listen to news bulletins for reports of landslides. Drivers were asked to exercise caution in all affected areas and use alternative routes to avoid areas prone to land slippage.
TEMA, she said can be contacted at 211 and 660-7489, and updates can be found on its Facebook page at TEMA.
The Met Office, on Thursday, issued an orange-level hazardous seas alert that will begin on Friday at 2 pm and is expected to end midday next Wednesday.
Earlier Thursday, the Met Office discontinued a similar yellow-level alert 8 am. That alert began on December 9.
The discontinuance was issued with a warning that the improvement would be temporary and would last for about 36 hours.
The newest alert warns of large breaking waves near 3.5 metres along the nearshore, north-exposes coastlines. Choppy conditions are also likely especially along the northern facing coastlines in the Gulf of Paria.
The Met Office warned that conditions would be amplified during high tides and exacerbated at spring tides. It said that the effects would first be experienced on the northern shorelines of Tobago, then about two hours later in Trinidad.
Conditions will be dangerous for swimming and small craft operations while very high surf and dangerous rip currents are expected near the affected coastlines.
The Met Office advises the public to keep monitoring the sea conditions, follow instructions from lifeguards and keep abreast of information from official news sources including at www.odpm.gov.tt. More information can be found at www.metoffice.gov.tt/.
This story was originally published with the title “Hazardous sea level alert discontinued” and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.
The Met Office has discontinued its hazardous sea level alert that began on December 9 with the expectation of it ending on Thursday at 8 am.
It said the conditions that have been affecting the north coasts of TT associated with the long period swells event have improved. The Met Office said this is temporary and this improvement is expected to last for around 36 hours from Thursday morning.
The Met Office said despite the improvement in swells, the seas remain occasionally choppy and another high energy swell event is expected to impact near the shore of the north-facing coastlines of the exposed and sheltered areas in the next 36 hours.
It said to keep monitoring the sea conditions, following instructions from the lifeguards and to keep abreast of information from official news sources. More information can be found at www.odpm.gov.tt.
The Met Office has discontinued its hazardous sea level alert that began on December 9 with the expectation of it ending on Thursday at 8 am.
It said the conditions that have been affecting the north coasts of TT associated with the long period swells event have improved. The Met Office said this is temporary and this improvement is expected to last for around 36 hours from Thursday morning.
The Met Office said despite the improvement in swells, the seas remain occasionally choppy and another high energy swell event is expected to impact near the shore of the north-facing coastlines of the exposed and sheltered areas in the next 36 hours.
It said to keep monitoring the sea conditions, following instructions from the lifeguards and to keep abreast of information from official news sources. More information can be found at www.odpm.gov.tt.
Beachgoers and fisher-folk, beware. The Met Office has issued a third yellow-level hazardous seas alert.
The period of hazardous seas began on Friday at 5 am and was expected to be lifted on Tuesday. It is now predicted to end on Saturday at noon.
The Monday-afternoon release said long-period, high-energy swells have been producing large breaking waves in excess of three metres along near-shore, north-exposed coastlines of both Trinidad and Tobago. Occasionally choppy conditions will continue in the Gulf of Paria.
It said conditions will improve slowly after the next 24 hours, but conditions will be amplified during high tides.
Hazardous sea conditions are expected to continue for the rest of the week.
The TT Met Office said people should be aware of higher-than-normal surf and dangerous conditions for swimming.
It urged small-craft operations near affected coastlines to be cautious.
It said sea bathers, fishermen, and small-craft operators should assess sea conditions and avoid interacting with large breakers where possible.
People should also follow the instructions of lifeguards and monitor official news sources.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) received various reports of landslides and street flooding throughout TT as well as said, at 8.45 am, the Caroni River at its El Carmen River station was at 101 per cent capacity.
This accounts for flooding in areas such as Realspring, Valsayn. The ODPM’s release dissected the information by regions.
In a release on Sunday, the office said there were four incidents with reports of three landslides and one fallen tree in the North West region. In Laventille at Upper Pashley Street and La Pina Drive as well as at Upper Thomasine Street there were reports of landslides which resulted in two collapsed houses. There was also a landslide at Maraval’s Le Platte Village. In St James at Fort George Road there was a landslide and the Diego Martin Regional Corporation was assessing the situation. There was also a fallen tree just before the walkover on Lady Young Road and Ministry of Works and Transport was on site.
In the North Central region, there were four reports of flooding at Edris Drive, Madras Road, South Trunk Road, Santa Monica Trace, Misty Drive and David Trace, all in St Helena. It added that the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation made contact with residents requesting evacuation and was making arrangements.
In South Central region there were 15 reports; six landslides, one collapsed road, six reports of flooding, one fallen tree and a damaged roof.
The release said there were three landslides between Brasso Police Station and Martha Lane in along the Caparo Valley Brasso Road. This resulted in the roadway being restricted to single lane traffic.
There was a landslide at Mamoral number one, Mamoral Road. The release said the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) was on site to secure the pole and a backhoe was being sent out to clear the debris. There was also a landslide affecting a home at Brasso Junction and another affecting a home at Mahabal Trace, Palmyra.
The road collapsed at La Vega Village, Gran Couva. There were reports of flooding in Cunupia at Chin Chin Road, Seeraj Trace, McNair Road and Mon Plasir Road, street and residential flooding Harkoo Tarce and Boy Cato, Las Lomas, street and residential flooding at Doorbal and Sharpe Roads, Caparo, street and residential flooding in the area of Durham Mills, Caparo Valley Brasso Road.
There was a fallen tree at Claxton Bay Main Road and the Fire Service and T&TEC were on site, the release said.
In the South West region, there were four reports of flooding, one landslide and a report of a leaking roof.
In Penal at Satnarine and Suchit Traces there were reports of street flooding. At George Street, La Romain there was a report of residential flooding and another report of residential flooding at Suchit Trace, Penal.
The leaking roof was reported at Palmiste along the Main Road.
In the Eastern region there were 14 reports of fallen trees and flooding. It said there were reports of fallen trees in Grande Riviere. The release said the Ministry of Works and Transport was contacted to provide assistance.
There was a report of a fallen tree in Mayaro between Cascadoux and Kernaham Village but the Fire Service cleared the debris.
There was also a report of a fallen tree at Pancheo Road, Ecclesville but the Fire Service also cleared the debris.
At Cunapo Southern Main Road near Navira Bridge, Biche there was street flooding which resulted in the roadway being impassable.
There was also street flooding at Charuma Village, Plum Mita and Cunapo Southern Main Road, Biche.
At Poole Valley, Main Road there was also street flooding which resulted in the roadway being impassable.
At the main road at Jairam Trace Junction, Navet there was street flooding which led to the roadway being impassable as well.
At the corner of Mahabalasingh Branch Road two and Legendre Road there was street flooding and the roadway was impassable.
At Mayaro’s Cedar Grove and Kernaham Village there were also reports of street flooding which left the roadway impassable. There was also street flooding at Plaisance Road via Gill Street which also left the roadway impassable, the release said.
There were no reports of incidents in Tobago at the time of the ODPM’s release.
In an update at 5.30 pm on Sunday, the ODPM said the Caparo River was at 76 per cent capacity, Caroni, El Carmen was at 100 per cent capacity, Caroni Bamboo number three was at 86 per cent capacity, North Oropouche was at 81 per cent capacity and South Oropouche was at 80 per cent capacity.
This story was originally published with the title “ODPM: Landslides, flooding throughout Trinidad and Tobago, two houses collapsep” and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) received various reports of landslides and street flooding throughout Trinidad and Tobago, as well as saying, at 8.45 am that the Caroni River at its El Carmen River station was at 101 per cent capacity.
This accounts for flooding in areas such as Realspring, Valsayn. The ODPM’s release dissected the information by regions.
In a release on Sunday, the office said there were three reports of landslides by 12.30 pm in the North West region. In Laventille at Upper Pashley Street and La Pina Drive as well as at Upper Thomasine Street there were reports of landslides which resulted in two collapsed houses. There was also a landslide at Maraval’s Le Platte Village.
In the North Central region, there were four reports of flooding at Edris Drive, Madras Road, South Trunk Road, Santa Monica Trace, Misty Drive and David Trace, all in St Helena. It added that the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation had contacted residents asking to be evacuated and was making arrangements.
In South Central region there were nine reports: four landslides, one collapsed road and four reports of flooding. The release said there were three landslides between Brasso Police Station and Martha Lane along the Caparo Valley Brasso Road. This resulted in the road being restricted to single-lane traffic.
Flooding at HDC Real Spring Gardens Housing Development, South Valsayn, on Sunday. – Photo by Sureash Cholai
The road collapsed at La Vega Village, Gran Couva. There were reports of flooding in Cunupia at Chin Chin Road, Seeraj Trace, McNair Road and Mon Plaisir Road.
In the South West region, there were four reports of flooding, one landslide and a report of a leaking roof.
In Penal at Satnarine and Suchit Traces there were reports of street flooding. At George Street, La Romaine, there was a report of residential flooding and another report of residential flooding at Suchit Trace, Penal.
The leaking roof was reported at Palmiste along the Main Road.
In the Eastern region there were 13 reports of fallen trees and flooding. It said there were reports of fallen trees in Grande Riviere and the Ministry of Works and Transport was contacted for help.
There was a report of a fallen tree in Mayaro between Cascadoux and Kernaham Village, but the Fire Service cleared the debris, as it also did in the case of a fallen tree at Pancheo Road, Ecclesville.
At Cunapo Southern Main Road near Navira Bridge, Biche there was street flooding which resulted in the road’s being impassable.
There was also street flooding at Charuma Village, Plum Mitan and Cunapo Southern Main Road, Biche.
At Poole Valley, Main Road there was also street flooding which made the road impassable. The same happened at the main road at Jairam Trace Junction, Navet.
At the corner of Mahabalasingh Branch Road two and Legendre Road there was street flooding and the roadwas impassable, as well as at Mayaro’s Cedar Grove and Kernaham Village.
There were no reports of incidents in Tobago at the time of the ODPM’s release.
At 8.46 am, the Carapo River was at 38 per cent capacity. The Caroni River, at its Bamboo number 3 river station, at 8.51 am was at 81 per cent capacity.
The North Oropouche River, at 8.59 am, was at 80 per cent capacity. The South Oropouche River at 9.44 am was at 90 per cent capacity.
The Met Office updated the adverse weather and riverine flood alerts to orange level on Sunday.
The Met Office put Trinidad and Tobago under a yellow-level weather alert at 5 am on Saturday. This alert is expected to end at 8 pm.
It said rain will vary in intensity, but there is a 70 per cent chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms that can produce rainfall greater than 25 mm or more in isolated areas. There may also be gusty winds exceeding 55 km per hour.
Street and flash flooding is likely to occur with the heavy rain and the Met Office warned that the sea can become agitated at times and landslides and landslips are also possible.
The Met Office urged people not to venture into floodwaters, to secure loose outdoor objects and livestock and to continue monitoring the weather conditions and official updates.
The Met Office issued a statement on Thursday which said runoff from rainfall continues to fill the Caroni River basin, and other smaller watercourses and river levels have been on a steady rise.
In a statement, it said smaller watercourses have already overtopped their banks and spilled onto surrounding areas.
“The South Oropouche River is dangerously high and continues to slowly rise. The Caroni River is currently at 80 per cent capacity and as run-off continues, a very slow but steady rise is anticipated over the next few hours.
It said although no major rainfall was forecast for the rest of the day, there remained “a moderate risk to public safety, livelihoods, and property, as watercourses maintain high levels.”
It warned the public to carefully monitor river and water levels, and said a riverine flood yellow alert remains in effect for watercourses and surrounding areas.
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