MESSAGE: Flooding in several communities across Trinidad and Tobago (TT) resulted in partial activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre

THE SITUATION:
Trinidad and Tobago has been experiencing continuous rainfall from November 13 -16, 2014 which has resulted widespread flooding in several communities. Water levels in the larger rivers such as the Caroni river and smaller river courses particularly in North Eastern and Central Trinidad over spilled the banks.

IMPACT:
Impacted areas include: Couva, Tabaquite, Talparo,Tunapuna, Piarco, Mayaro, Rio Claro and Sangre Grande. Reports have indicated that flood waters have receded in the Mayaro/RioClaro areas but remain in some areas of Sangre Grande.

No of casualities: No deaths have been reported

No of shelters opened: Two (2) – one each in Mayaro and Sangre Grande. 20 shelterees were reportedly in the Sangre Grande shelter but as of 2.00pm today only 5 remained

Roads Affected: The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure advised that the Manzanilla/Mayaro Road is closed until further notice due to structural breaches

NATIONAL ACTIONS
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) has partially activated the National Emergency Operation Centre at a Level Two. The ODPM, as the lead coordinator of disaster management, is in contact with all emergency agencies (National Operations Centre, TT Defence Force, TT Police Service TT Fire Service, Global Medical Response of Trinidad and Tobago (GMRTT), Ministry of Health, Ministry of People and Social Development, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ministry of Transportation, Government Information Services Limited (GISL), Ministry of Planning and the Municipal Corporation Disaster Management Units) so that immediate assistance can be coordinated for disaster response and relief.

Relief distribution is ongoing. The ODPM dispatched two (2) 40 ft x 8 ft containers to Rio Claro/Mayaro and Sangre Grande Regional Corporations respectively, with relief items such as: first aid pouches, hygiene kits, mop buckets, tarpaulins, mattresses, soak-a-bags, blankets, sheets, baby wipes, wheelbarrows and rubber boots. The Agency also advised that it will continue to send relief items as requested by the impacted municipal corporations.

The ODPM has also deployed its Mobile Emergency Operations Centre to the Mayaro area to assist relief efforts and has set up technical teams stationed at Mayaro and Sangre Grande regions, to focus on sheltering, relief distribution and evacuation, as well as search and rescue activities.

The Agency continues to issue advisories and safety tips to residents urging them to continue to take all measures to preserve life and property.

REGIONAL ACTIONS:
The Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Coordinating Unit (CU) has been in contact with the ODPM and stands ready to provide assistance if this should become necessary. CDEMA will continue to monitor the system and provide updates as is necessary.

CONTACT DETAILS: The CDEMA CU 24-hour contact number 1(246) 425 0386