00:00The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service had issued a localized flood alert number
00:05one, a yellow-level warning earlier today.
00:08While that alert has since been discontinued, the situation on the ground remains critical
00:13for many families in these communities.
00:16In the Pinal-Debia region, authorities prioritized the evacuation of children from schools, including
00:22Holy Faith Convent Pinal, Pinal Junior Secondary, and Shiva Boys Hindu College, which had been
00:27severely impacted by flooding.
00:57However, their rescue operation was hampered by the floodwaters.
01:18On Pinal Rock Road, some of the rescue trucks became stuck due to the rising water, delaying
01:23efforts to reach more isolated communities.
01:26Despite these challenges, authorities worked to establish alternative routes for evacuations.
01:50As floodwater affected more homes, community members came together to assist with evacuations
01:55and distribute essential supplies.
01:57Volunteers helped to ensure that both the children and the elderly were cared for during
02:02the emergency situation.
02:04Local businesses also stepped in to provide food, water, and other resources.
02:08For this immediate year, I have already declared that there is a disaster, so we will be having
02:15the DMU communicate to the ministry to be able to provide assistance.
02:21Right now, I'm using as we are accustomed to the good Samaritans of the private enterprises
02:27that will be sending trucks and so on to me shortly.
02:30At this time, no major structural damage has been reported, but authorities are continuing
02:35to monitor the situation as the floodwater remains high.
02:39Residents have been urged to stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary travel.
02:43We are getting calls from all over with children stranded, people stranded, so I'm trying really
02:49to create a network of high vehicles, trucks mainly, that can move into the areas and do
02:56some evacuation.
02:58With the localized flood alert number one now discontinued, authorities are continuing
03:02to monitor conditions as the floodwater begins to subside.
03:06The evacuation of children from schools has largely been completed and efforts are underway
03:11to assist other affected residents.
03:13Josette Donanan, TV6 News.
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