Trinidad and Tobago: Flooding, damages following Tropical Storm Bret

Event

Tropical Storm Bret caused significant material damages as it passed over Trinidad and Tobago on June 20; estimates put the cost of the damages in the millions of dollars. However, no deaths or injuries have been reported. Water and power shortages are affecting some parts of the country. A number of roads are impassible due to flooding and as such traffic and transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in the coming hours and days. The worst hit areas are located in the south of the island of Trinidad, namely Lower Barrackpore and other areas in the Penal-Debe and Siparia regional corporations.

Context

Tropical waves, depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes are common in the Caribbean region during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. However, Tropical Storm Bret developed in an unusual location for the month of June; only two tropical storms have developed so far to the east before July since records were first kept.

Advice

Individuals in the above areas are advised to confirm travel reservations and road conditions before setting out and to adhere to any advice issued by the regional authorities. Keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.