Milk, food supplies running short in North Coast villages

Frustrated mothers remain-ed stranded in the remote fishing villages along the North Coast Road, unable to secure transportation to take them into Port-of-Spain to purchase milk, diapers and medicine. The angry mothers sat under a bus shed at the deserted Maracas Bay, while others stood helplessly waiting for any form of transportation. Higher than usual waves which covered moored fishing boats, major landslides, flooding, empty shops, and frustration were mirrored in the faces of North Coast villagers. Since Tuesday, villagers in the seven affected fishing villages have remained marooned in their homes. The villages have also been without electricity and water causing even more hardships for the families. Food supplies are running out and no delivery trucks have been able to enter the villages since Wednesday.

Some of the mothers told Newsday the situation had caused them to share diapers and milk, but supplies have run out.The mothers made a stirring plea to good Samaritans to assist them in their plight. They believe the supplies could be airlifted into the villages or delivered by Ministry of Works employees. One mother said she was now forced to feed her baby sugar and water and she is “angry and hurt” at the lack of care shown by the authorities to innocent babies. Yesterday, all the bars and bake and shark booths at Maracas Bay remained closed. Works Ministry personnel used backhoes and other heavy equipment, assisted by CEPEP workers, spent all day clearing away fallen trees, rocks and mounds of dirt caused by landslides brought down by heavy rainfall.

By 3 pm yesterday the North Coast Road was declared passable to emergency vehicles and villagers. Affected villagers accused the Government and their parliamentary representative Anthony Roberts of neglecting them. They said they have been clamouring for retaining walls to be built  and repair to roadways to no avail. Residents of Hamilton Trace, who claimed they were the hardest hit by floods on Tuesday, also accused the authorities of turning a blind eye to their plight. Roger Khadoo, a father of three said the river which runs in front of his home overflowed its banks, washing away the lone bridge. His dog “Brownie” was washed away by the floods as well as ten ducks.

He also claimed that a huge tree from the mountain behind his home fell close to his home. He has since placed a log across the river to get to and from his home. Priscilla Marcano, a mother of seven said on Tuesday, the river overflowed and flooded her home. She was forced to stay at the home of a neighbour until the water receded. She lost all her foodstuff, appliances and clothing. Marcano said if she was not assisted, she is unsure how she would be able to feed her family. Sixteen hours of nonstop rain on Tuesday caused 60 landslides along the North Coast Road which resulted in flooded homes, empty cupboards, no electricity and water and hungry children. Affected villagers all agreed the situation was frightening and they fear  the worst is yet to come.

Wet start to Dry Season —
Maracas Road crumbles into river

IN WHAT can best be described as a very wet start to the Dry Season, recent heavy showers have not only caused over 60 landslides along the North Coast, but have also left the quaint village of Lluengo in Maracas/St Joseph almost cut-off after the only road into and out of the village started crumbling and falling into a nearby river. The scenic village lies at the end of the Maracas Royal Road. It is through this village that hikers and nature lovers pass to reach the heights of Mt El Tucuche and over the Northern Range to Maracas Bay or Las Cuevas. The river which runs through the village is one of the main attractions for both residents and visitors.

It is this same river, however, that is causing residents much concern of late. For the past several months, a portion of the Maracas Royal Road, has been under repair because of major slippage into the river. The situation took a turn for the worse over the past two days with heavy rains and subsequent flooding in the area. As a result, only single-file traffic can pass through the affected strip of road with major risk to life and limb. “Where is our MP Anthony Roberts? Where is Councillor Chrisanta Joseph,” cried a resident.

“We have been pleading with the authorities to fix the road because soon we will not be able to pass through it. Right now only one car at a time can pass. If we get cut-off, how will our children reach to school?” “How will we go to work, how will we get groceries to feed our children?” another asked. Should the road be made impassable, the only way out would be a hike over the mountains to Maracas Bay, or Las Cuevas. Some residents have even passed through the river holding onto a pipeline, however, this is considered to be very dangerous.

PUBLIC ADVISORY — LANDSLIDES
What to do:

•Stay alert.
•If you are in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flow, consider temporarily leaving if it is safe to do so.
•Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
•If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and for a change from clear to muddy water.
•Be prepared to move quickly.
•Be especially alert when driving. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flow.

What to do if you suspect imminent landslide danger

•Contact your fire, police or works department. Local officials are the best persons able to assess potential danger.
•Inform affected neighbours.
•Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow is your best protection.

What to do during a landslide

•Quickly move out of the path of the landslide or debris flow. Moving away from the path of the flow to a stable area will reduce your risk.
•If escape is not possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head. This will provide the best protection for your body.

What to do after a landslide

•Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
•Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Direct rescuers to their locations.
•Help a neighbour who may require special assistance — infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
•Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information.
•Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow. Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same event.
•Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.
•Check the building foundation and surrounding land for damage. Damage to foundations or surrounding land may help you assess the safety of the area.
•Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can land to flash flooding.