This morning at 7:38AM, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) issued Adverse Weather Alert #1 - Yellow Level. This alert comes in light of the lingering Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in and around the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. This alert will remain in effect until tonight at 8:00PM, unless otherwise updated by the TTMS.

For the remainder of the day, rainfall of varying intensity is expected, with a 70% (high) chance of thunderstorm activity. Heavy downpours may produce accumulations in excess of 25mm. Localised street/flash flooding could be expected near heavy downpours. Gusty winds, in excess of 55 km/hr, may be experienced in the vicinity of showers/thunderstorms.

With the possibility of additional rainfall and gusty winds, the public is reminded to remain vigilant as water levels could rise in low-lying areas and the saturated soil can result in landslides.

The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government and the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) as first responders, are continuing to coordinate relief and recovery efforts in affected communities. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) is maintaining coordination with these agencies and sharing information to ensure situational awareness amongst agencies. The ODPM is also facilitating the first response agencies with resources as required. In this regard, this morning, the ODPM dispatched additional relief supplies to Tobago via the Cabo Star, which will be sailing this afternoon. Items include Trash Pumps, rope of various sizes, cleaning buckets, coolers, raincoats and batteries.

While we experience this additional period of Adverse Weather, the ODPM reminds persons take the following precautions to preserve life, livelihoods and property:

Know and reduce your risks

1. Firstly, stay informed by looking out for alerts, warnings, and public safety information from official sources like the ODPM, TTMS and T&TEC, Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government before, during, and after emergencies.
2. Ensure that you have the necessary contact information written, secured and readily available to your family members or co-workers.
3. Do not walk, play or drive through flood waters of unknown depth and current.
4. Be cautious when walking /driving along hillsides or landslide-prone areas.

Make/ Review Emergency/Business Continuity Plan

5. Review and update your family emergency plans. If you live or work in an area that is prone to flooding, please adequately prepare for the possibility of an evacuation.
6. Identify easily accessible and safe locations to meet in the event that you are separated. Prepare for the specific needs of your family, which may differ if you have pets, people with special needs, or nowhere to go.
7. Ensure that you secure your pets and livestock.

Prepare Emergency Resources

8. Assemble an emergency kit with enough essential items to last you and your family 3-7 days. Also, prepare a Grab and Go Bag/Kit for each family member, with essential items in the event you need to evacuate.
9. In light of COVID-19 guidelines, include extra face masks, gloves and hand sanitisers in your emergency kits or grab and go bags.
10. Ensure that all your important documents are stored in a waterproof bag.
     

Act and Assist Others

11. Prepare for flooding by elevating items above ground level and unplugging sensitive electronic equipment.
12. If you are in an area where flood risk is high, keep sandbags on hand. These can be acquired from your local municipal corporation.
13. Consider developing a buddy system with neighbours, friends, and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate members of your household if you are unable to do so.

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

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Issued by:

Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit