TnT experiencing “weather emergency” PM Rowley says

As Trinidad remains under yellow flood alert until today Monday, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has described the situation as a “weather emergency.”

“The international forecasts are for further incoming heavy rainfall over the next two days. Already there is significant damage to our road infrastructure in very many parts of the country. We are anticipating increased flooding and landslides in susceptible areas.

“Citizens are requested to be very alert to these dangers and, as far as feasible, restrict your movements until the dangers have passed or are abated,” Dr Rowley’s a statement posted on Facebook said adding that all arms and agencies of state are fully mobilized.

At an emergency press conference on Saturday, Local Government and Rural Development Minister Faris Al-Rawi, urged people not to leave their homes unless necessary.

Al-Rawi added that there would be more rainfall within the next five to six days and the Met Office also extended its yellow-level weather alert from midday Saturday to midday on Monday.

The Met Office says TT was experiencing a “low-level trough. We are taking the caution to warn that we do expect significant flooding issues in a circumstance where people wouldn’t normally expect it because there wasn’t a trigger,” Al-Rawi said.

He added that persons who have been affected by the bad weather should call their respective regional corporations and alert them of their current situation, further stating that all resources were deployed to assist those in need.

Significant landslips were seen in San Juan, Quarry Drive, Champs Fleurs, Lady Young Road, Morvant,  Lady Hailes Avenue, San Fernando and Maracas Royal Road in Tunapuna with three flooded areas in Sangre Grande.

The minister cautioned persons to conserve water as many water treatment plants in North East and North West and Tobago have been affected.