The Met Office says there will be more rain this weekend. Meteorologist Paula Wellington said some rainfall will continue with periods of sunshine. Yesterday, the Met Office continued its riverine flood alert for Trinidad, owing to recent rainfall, which it said was the result of low-level moisture convergence over the country. Heavy rain during the past few days has caused flooding in several areas, leaving some residents stranded.
In a statement, the Met Office said, “Reports from the Water Resources Agency indicate that water levels in the larger rivers, in particular the Caroni River, have overspilled their banks. As a result smaller river courses, particularly in northeastern and central Trinidad, have been affected and have also overspilled their banks.” The bulletin said meteorological forecasts and data from numerical weather prediction models indicated that rain is expected to continue, with rainfall accumulation anticipated to range between 20 and 30 millimetres. People in general, and especially those who live in the Caroni River Basin, were warned of rising river levels and further possible flooding. “All necessary measures must be taken to preserve life and property,” the bulletin said.
The ODPM, in a release, said it was in contact with all first responder agencies (Fire Service, Defence Force, police and the municipal corporations) so immediate help could be given if needed. It warned that people commuting to and from affected areas should delay travel or find alternative routes if possible, but still proceed with extreme caution. Those affected by the bad weather are asked to contact the ODPM’s Customer Care Centre at 511, check its Web site www.odpm.gov.tt for additional safety tips and take all measures to preserve life and property.
Despite the severe flooding, Wellington said the recent rainfall was not abnormal for November. “At Piarco, there was 83mm from November 12 until November 13, which is one day. The accumulation for the month was measured at 198.11 mm, and the average for the month of November is 242 mm. “So a large daily constant rainfall figure is normal.”