Floods maroon Caparo villagers

Villagers of Caparo in Central Trinidad remained marooned in their homes up to late last night as swirling flood waters up to five feet high invaded the homes of hundreds and swept away livestock.

Those who went to work were left stranded as the roads were virtually impassable. Residents told Newsday that with the heavy rainfall on Thursday night they feared the worst and around 10.30 am yesterday, the flood waters slowly crept into their homes. The roads leading to Caparo were impassable by 3 pm yesterday. Stranded villagers waded their way through the murky water while others boarded trucks, vans and any means of transport to take them to their homes. Some villagers said that while moving their belongings to safer ground, they were forced to ward off snakes and other reptiles. In some areas the water rose to a height of six feet, causing some villagers to seek refuge at the homes of others.

Fire officers from the Chaguanas Fire Station were called out to assist those villagers who were marooned in their homes. Late yesterday, the inclement weather continued and villagers told Newsday they were fearful the situation could get even worse. The Met office advised that more rains are expected over the weekend. Villagers said that they are fed up of facing the same problem with flooding every rainy season and they are calling on the Government to put in place proper drainage for the area. The villagers claimed that while they are aware that the area is a low-lying one, they feel the situation could be helped with the dredging of the Caparo River and the changing of the water courses in the area. They also feel that stiffer penalties should be introduced to prevent people from dumping garbage into the rivers and drains. They said that the flooding problems in Central needed to be addressed urgently. Sumintra Singh, a resident of the area, said that she is fed up with the situation because every year she is faced with the same losses.