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Trinidad and Tobago: Floods Flash Note No. 01 (as of 24 October 2018)

Countries
Trinidad and Tobago
Sources
OCHA
Publication date

Highlights

● Affected persons are receiving assistance of Government officials, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) is leading the response.

● The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) is activated and continues to coordinate response, relief distribution, damage assessments and cleanup operations in affected communities.

● The Trinidad and Tobago United Nations Emergency Technical Team (UNETT) is activated and standingby to support national system.

150,000 Approximately affected people
Source: CDEMA Situation Report No.1

4,333 Households affected
Source: CDEMA Situation Report No.3

800 Persons evacuated
Source: Source: CDEMA Situation Report No.1

300 Persons sheltered
Source: Source: CDEMASituation Report No. 2

Situation Overview

On 18 - 19 October 2018, Trinidad and Tobago experienced torrential rainfall across the country, according to Government officials, Trinidad alone received a full month’s worth of rain during the two days. It was estimated 80 per cent of the country was affected by flooding. Floods and landslides, affected communities and public services and blocked main roads. Central and eastern regional corporations/corporations were the most affected, namely Chaguanas Borough, Couva-Tabaquite -Talparo, Mayaro-Rio Claro, Sangre Grande and Tunapuna.

Shelters were activated across the country and school services were temporarily disrupted. On 20 October the Government of Trinidad and Tobago activated its National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM). The Government is taking the lead, through ODPM and no international/external support has been requested.

The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (MORDLG) and the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS) are conducting initial damage assessments of all persons affected by the adverse weather. Assessments began on Monday, 22 October. As of 23 October, damage assessments are ongoing, assessments have been completed in the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation. ODPM has distributed relief items such as hygiene kits and large garbage bags to the affected population. The NEOC remains partially activated and is coordinating response, relief distribution, damage assessments and clean-up operations in affected communities. The Trinidad Defense Force is also supporting clean up, assessments and distribution. Currently conditions are improving, and the water is receding, however it will take some time for flooding to subside in areas that were adversely affected. ODPM is advising citizens to remain vigilant and monitor local conditions and watercourses.

ODPM is keeping the public avidly aware of the situation through their website and social media. Also, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is issuing situation reports.

The Trinidad and Tobago UNETT is activated and in contact with Government and local counterparts, monitoring the situation. Currently, UN agencies are collaborating with their line ministries providing technical advice, identifying areas needing immediate attention, and developing strategies for longer-term relief and recovery. These agencies are further prepared to scale-up their tangible support and practical assistance; to this end, they are liaising with nongovernmental and other intergovernmental organizations to share expertise and identify areas for cooperation.

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.