21 Oct 2018 | 10:30 PM UTC
Trinidad and Tobago: Severe flooding on island of Trinidad Oct. 19-21
Heavy rains cause widespread flooding and road closures in Trinidad and Tobago on October 19-21; lingering transportation disruptions expected over the near-term
Event
Sustained heavy rains beginning on Friday, October 19 through Saturday, October 20, caused severe flooding resulting in widespread transportation disruptions and structural damage on the island of Trinidad. Authorities declared a "national disaster" on October 20 to secure additional resources for impacted areas and officials have said several major roadways, including a highway connecting north and south Trinidad, are impassable as of Sunday, October 21.
Flash floods caused damage and traffic disruptions in Claxton Bay, San Fernando, and Port of Spain, while rescue efforts are ongoing in Caroni, St. Helena, Kelly Village, Las Lomas, and Sangre Grande. Operations at Piarco International Airport (POS) remain unaffected by the flooding. Officials maintain an orange-level adverse weather alert and a red-level riverine flood alert as additional rainfall is forecast through October 21.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas should monitor local weather reports, confirm travel plans, avoid low-lying areas, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
