As the South Oropouche River breached in multiple areas on Monday morning and early afternoon, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service updated their Riverine Flood Alert.
What you need to know
— What has happened: Over the last 24 hours, between 50 and 125 millimeters of rain fell across parts of southern and central Trinidad, with isolated totals exceeding 125 millimeters. Additional rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours, with places experiencing flood waters as high as four feet in some areas.
— What to expect: Major riverine flooding to continue through the next 24 hours across South Trinidad, with multiple breaches of the South Oropouche River. Flooding may continue through the end of the week due to additional rainfall through Thursday.
Latest Alerts
Flooding Continues To Subside As Riverine Flood Alert Discontinued
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
The Riverine Flood Alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service updated the Riverine Flood Alert (Orange Level) to Orange Level on Monday at 1:25 PM. The alert went into effect for South Trinidad at 10:10 PM Sunday, June 11th, 2023, and is now extended until 5:00 PM Tuesday, June 13th, 2023. The alert remains in effect for areas of South Trinidad, including the South Oropouche River Basin.
Trinidad and Tobago is not under any tropical storm watch or warning at this time.
“After continued rainfall activity, the river levels of the South Oropouche, as well as smaller tributaries in Southern areas of Trinidad, are near critical levels or overtopping in some areas (based on official reports). Additional periods of rainfall will likely continue over the next 24 hours, which will result in the further elevation of the river levels. Note that run-off will be slower at high tide, which will be at 12:04 am (Tue. 13th) and 02:03 pm (Tue 13th),” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service. This “alert” status takes into account the possibility of the event occurring. This riverine flood event is expected/has been observed.
The color of the alert indicates the severity of the event and the probability of the event occurring. Currently, the alert level is Orange. This means that the hazard is likely, and you need to be aware of the impacts of street, flash, and riverine flooding in your area. Severe impacts are expected.
For a severe Riverine Flood Alert, there is the potential for a loss of a single life or serious injuries; physical defenses are needed, major losses are possible in confined areas, income earning is impossible for several days, and several communities are affected where external help is needed for recovery.
The public should finalize preparations to protect lives, livelihoods, and property, activate your safety plan, secure food, water, and medicine for at least 7 days in waterproof containers, and protect important assets and documents. Do not take unnecessary risks. Follow the instructions of government officials. Monitor official sources for information
