Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Faris Al-Rawi, stated that it is critical that citizens take advantage of preparation at this time as he noted that there are three events that are lined up that will affect T&T in the next few days.
1: Adverse Weather Alert (Yellow) issued by the Met Service yesterday.
- Approaching Strong Tropical Wave in the Atlantic issued by the Met Service today.
- Potential activity off the coast of Africa.
Minister Al-Rawi stated that Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, who is in the US, triggered full activity last night, and Acting Prime Minister, Colm Imbert, has since held a meeting with Ministers of Rural Development and Local Government, Public Utilities/National Security, and Works and Transport to ensure preparation ahead of any weather event.
Minister Al-Rawi confirmed that the 14 Regional Corporations have been required to do a baseline analysis of all assets to ensure they are able to withstand difficult weather conditions. Assets have also been placed along the major arteries. He urged citizens to reach out to their Regional Corporations for assistance and called on livestock farmers to secure their animals.
Minister of Public Utilities/Acting Minister of National Security, Marvin Gonzales, stated that the utility companies (WASA, T&TEC, SWMCOL) are on high alert to give support to all Agencies. Additionally, the National Emergency Operations Centre (TTPS, TTDF, TTFS, Ministry of Health, SWMCOL, T&TEC, WASA) is fully activated.
Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinanan, said the desilting programme is ongoing. He also stated that water pumps are working at all sites, and there are people are on the ground monitoring. Equipment will also be on the ground to deal with landslips, including along the North Coast and other landslip-prone areas.
ODPM CEO Major General (Ret’d) Rodney Smart confirmed that Disaster Response Agencies are on alert and ready to assist.