Flood waters swamp Diego

More than two hours of heavy rainfall in north west Trinidad yesterday caused the Diego Martin river to overflow its bank and turn the Diego Martin highway into a muddy sea. Residents of Crystal Stream, which was cut off due to rising flood waters said it was the first time they had witnessed the river spilling over. The yard of the nearby Church of the Nativity was also reported to be inundated with flood water from the river. An official of the Meteorological Services told Sunday Newsday yesterday that the heavy downpour was not caused by a weather system.

He said western Trinidad — Port-of-Spain and Diego Martin have been experiencing heavy rainfall but this was due to the heat in the day and moisture in the atmosphere. “This sort of weather has been happening for the past two weeks with hot sunny days and by midday to 1 pm thunder showers.” He said recent flooding in Piarco was due to these conditions. The aftermath of the rainfall was the usual problems with transportation as people in Port-of-Spain encountered difficulties getting taxis, and maxis to take them to Diego Martin and Petit Valley.