Heavy rainfall created multiple flash floods which left a trail of destruction across many parts of north and Northwestern Trinidad on yesterday afternoon.
Roadways from Maraval to East Port- of- Spain were blocked by rapidly rising water, mud, tree limbs, rocks, and boulders, and debris including public utility poles. Flash flooding occurred in the Cascade River and the East Dry River, in Port- of- Spain, as well as the Maraval River. Roadways including parts of Saddle road turned into temporary dangerous water courses in Maraval, St. Ann’s, and Cascade that damaged numerous vehicles and sent at least two cars into the Cascade River.
Heavy rainfall began across Saddle Road, Andalusia, La Seiva, and Maraval between 2,30 pm and 4:40pm, with flash flooding occurring within minutes as water. Many motorists became trapped in traffic along Saddle Road, floodwaters rapidly rose around vehicles. The heavy rains brought abandoned vehicle frames, tree limbs and large rocks that damaged some bridges, cars, sending much scampering for drier land. Flooding was also reported along Long Circular Road and Upper Bournes Road, St James. Parts of East Port of Spain were also affected including Piccadilly Street, including Prince, Duncan, Nelson, Queen’s Streets, Mucurapo Road, Ethel Street, Independence Square (South), South Quay, and the Priority Bus Route. The East Dry River brought a significant amount of debris as far as Broadway at City Gate, causing a nightmare of an afternoon commute for those leaving the Capital. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injury. Heavy showers also affected parts of central Trinidad earlier yesterday, with street flooding reported in Couva.
Between Carenage and Port- of- Spain, up to 75 millimeters of rainfall was recorded between 2,30 pm and 4.30 pm, and rainfall rates were in excess of 100 millimeters per hour.
The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government has activated all municipal corporations across Trinidad to respond. Minister Kazim Hosein called on corporations to adopt an “all-of-corporation” approach. The ministry, activated municipalities and resources including equipment from the various municipal corporations, CEPEP, and the Ministry of Works and Transport have already been mobilized to assist with the clearing of debris and sediment caused by the heavy rainfall.
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