The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) would like to express our deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Theresa Lynch, who unfortunately lost her life while attempting to cross a swollen watercourse in Lopinot. We extend our condolences to her relatives and friends during this difficult time. We also would like to thank all of the response agencies and volunteers who supported the rescue mission.

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has discontinued the Adverse Weather and Riverine Flood Alerts. The public is however reminded that the threat of flooding and landslides still exists in vulnerable areas. Persons should remain vigilant as water levels can still rise in low-lying areas and the saturated soil can result in landslides.

As our national efforts evolve from early relief to full recovery, Damage and Needs Assessments (DANA), distribution of relief supplies and clean-up efforts are simultaneously being conducted in accessible locations by the Disaster Management Units of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government and the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).

The ODPM is currently coordinating a request by TEMA for additional relief and recovery items for the island of Tobago. The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force deployed to support the clearing of landslides in Cumaca, Sangre Grande and provide assistance with the installation of sandbags in Real Spring Housing Development, Valsayn South. Relief items such as mattresses, food items and water are also being distributed by the various Municipal Corporations in the areas in which the floodwater has subsided. Through the support of SEWA International Trinidad and Tobago, Subway and KFC meals were distributed to response personnel in affected areas.  The American Chamber of Commerce of T&T is also working with the other Chambers to provide cleaning supplies for affected communities.

Today, October 07 2022, the ODPM held a third multi-stakeholder meeting to obtain situational awareness of the response and recovery efforts of the various agencies. The agencies in attendance were the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government; Tobago Emergency Management Agency; Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service; Ministry of Social Development and Family Services; Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force; Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service; Immigration Division; Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission; Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago; Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Housing and Urban Development; Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries; Public Transport Service Corporation; Global Medical Response of Trinidad and Tobago Limited. The agencies are working together to support affected persons and infrastructure, to ensure our nation returns to a state of normalcy in the shortest possible time frame.

While the recovery efforts continue, we urge citizens to remain vigilant and to continue to take the necessary actions to preserve life and property. If you are affected by flooding, here are some tips to help you remain safe and become better prepared:

• Stay out of flood water.
• Flood water may pose a drowning risk for everyone— regardless of their ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water may be deadly, and even shallow standing water may be dangerous for small children.
• Avoid driving in flooded areas—cars or other vehicles won’t protect you from flood waters. You may be swept away or may stall in moving water.
• It is NOT safe to wade through flood water! —But, if you must wade through flood water, ensure that you use a sturdy piece of wood to measure the depth of the water in front of you before stepping forward.
• Floodwater may be very harmful to one’s health; it is often unknown what may be in such waters. Floodwater may contain:

• Downed power lines
• Human and livestock waste
• Household, medical, and industrial hazardous waste (chemical, biological, and radiological)
• Other contaminants that may lead to illness
• Physical objects, such as lumber, vehicles and debris
• Wild or stray animals, such as rodents and snakes

• Exposure to contaminated flood water can cause:

• Wound infections; Skin rash; Gastrointestinal illness; Tetanus; Leptospirosis and Cholera.

• Do not eat or drink any food that may have come into contact with flood water.

• While the best way to protect yourself is to avoid flood water however, if contact with flood water becomes unavoidable, ensure to:

• Wash the area with soap and clean water as soon as possible. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitiser.
• Take care of wounds and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent before reusing them.
• If you must enter floodwaters, ensure you wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles. The use of lifejackets is also advised.

Persons are advised to be on the lookout and take the following precautions to maintain safety against landslides:

• Be sure to listen for news bulletins pertaining to landslides.
• Motorists are asked to exercise caution in all affected areas. Adjust usual routes to those which might be less prone to land slippage.
• When driving through hilly areas, listen and watch for rushing water, mud or unusual sounds.
• If you live on or near a hillside, inspect your property regularly for any new cracks that appear in walls, tiles and foundation.

Persons are reminded to clean up safely: 

1. Take pictures of your damage and keep an inventory of damaged items.
2. Damaged items should be secured in an easily accessible location to support the execution of Damage and Needs Assessments by officials.
3. Wear personal protective equipment, including rubber boots, rubber gloves and goggles during the clean-up of affected areas. Wear closed-toe shoes, long sleeves and full-length pants.
4. Keep children and pets out of the affected area until clean-up has been completed.
5. Be aware of animals and insects that may surface.
6. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with hot water and household bleach solution.
7. Regularly wash your hands with soap and clean water.

In case persons are impacted by adverse weather, immediately contact the Municipal Corporations’ Disaster Management Units and the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) via the relevant hotline numbers below:

End

Issued by:

Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit