Trinidad and Tobago: Authorities issue adverse-weather alert April 25 due to heavy rains that have brought flooding and landslides

Event

Authorities issued an adverse-weather warning valid for the entire country through at least 10:00 April 26 due to heavy rains that have brought flooding and landslides. As of the afternoon of April 26, flooding has been reported in the following areas:

• Arima Borough Corporation

• Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation

• Point Fortin Borough Corporation

• Princes Town Regional Corporation

• San Fernando City Corporation

• Sangre Grande Regional Corporation

• Siparia Regional Corporation

• Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation

Furthermore, landslides have been reported in the following areas:

• Arima Borough Corporation

• Sangre Grande Regional Corporation

• San Juan Laventille Regional Corporation

While authorities have said that peak rainfall has now passed, additional rain is possible, especially in the northern half of Trinidad and the southern half of Tobago.

Hazardous Conditions

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is possible in areas with easily overwhelmed or lack stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding impacts utility networks.

Transport

Floodwaters and debris flows may render additional bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Residual rainwater on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Health

Although a secondary concern, the threat of disease outbreaks cannot be discounted in the coming days and weeks. Backflow from drains that have mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect-borne and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.