Inclement weather leaves $800,000 in losses

The Tobago Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) concluded its emergency response operations on Sunday after providing relief to residents affected by inclement weather in Tobago over the past four days.

TEMA responded to a total of 139 incidents, including 57 reports of damage to residential roofs, 45 fallen trees and 15 cases of structural damage.

The public also reported fallen power lines, landslides, blocked roads and residential flooding.

The areas affected included Betsy’s Hope, Black Rock, Delaford, Glamorgan, Hope, Lambeau, Les Coteaux, Mason Hall, Moriah, Patience Hill, Pembroke, Plymouth, Runnemede, Shaw Park, Studley Park, Speyside, Goodwood, Carnbee, Mount Pleasant, Sargeant Cain, Whim and Bagatelle.

TEMA responded to the calls for assistance with help from the TT Fire Service and the Division of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (DIPU), along with the Social Services Unit of the Division of Health and Social Services.

The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and the TT Electricity Commission (TTEC) were working to restore water and electricity supplies respectively in affected areas. TEMA director Allan Stewart however, told affected residents to not rely solely on the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) to repair the damage to their homes.

“The State would have already assisted; for example TEMA would already have carried out its duty in terms of relief, emergency shelters, emergency relief items, in some cases and also foodstuff and accommodation,” he said following an emergency meeting, yesterday. Stewart said a report, including the estimated cost and material listing, would be forwarded to the Chief Secretary via the Chief Administrator, with recommendations as to which structures were to be rebuilt and what was to be repaired.