Over the last twenty four (24) hours, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has been monitoring the water levels in the water courses which border all its housing communities, with particular focus on Greenvale Park and Oropune Gardens which were recently impacted by flooding. Water pumps for both communities have been activated and flood bags have been distributed to residents who require them. The detention ponds in these areas are low at this time, which is a positive sign and there is still capacity to accept a significant volume of water, if rainfall increases.
However, in light of the recent Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services (TTMS) Riverine Flooding Alert, the HDC has contacted the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation (TPRC) and the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) in the event that a decision is taken to evacuate residents. Once the water levels in the detention ponds rise to critical levels and the ponds become overwhelmed, the HDC will work with the first responders to coordinate the evacuation of residents (with emphasis on persons with disabilities and the elderly) to the nearest shelter, which would be opened by the Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation.
We recommend that residents in Greenvale Park and Oropune Gardens undertake all the necessary precautionary measures, such as elevating valuables and appliances and preparing an emergency bag in the event that an evacuation is necessary.
