Flood takes villages of northeast by surprise

Commuters, villagers and visitors of  Vega De Oropouche, Toco and other villages on the northeast of Trinidad were marooned up to yesterday, as heavy rains caused the rivers to overflow spreading into the roads and surrounding areas virtually bringing all vehicles travelling in that vicinity to a halt. Most of the villagers had to stay indoors as the swelling flood waters reached up to five feet and invaded the homes of hundreds.

Vehicles using the Toco Main Road leading into these villages had to return to Sangre Grande because of the rising level of water. On Friday, the North Oropouche school had to be closed and children had to be sent home as the flood waters also covered the school’s compound. Villagers heading to work were left stranded as the roads became impassable for hours. Residents reported that it rained all night on Thursday but they were taken by surprise at the extent of flooding which resulted in damaged furniture and other household items. Members of the Sangre Grande Police and Fire Services were on hand to give assistance to those who needed it. Farmers reported that thousands of dollars in food crops and livestock had been lost as a result of the flooding in area.