Trinidad PM seeks cabinet approval for relief funds after declares flooding a national disaster

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley had declared that the flooding that has left thousands marooned as a “national disaster”. Prime Minister will seek Cabinet approval of TT$25M to aid with flood relief. He has said that he will approach cabinet for the approval of relief funds.

“I would speak ahead of the Cabinet here and indicate that I would ask Cabinet to approve and authorize TT$25 million initially to assist persons who may require assistance from the treasury. We will ensure that this money is well spent and is spent as quickly as possible on those persons who have been affected,” he said.

Heavy rainfall over the last few days have resulted in widespread flooding across Trinidad and Tobago.

“This is a national disaster, the flooding is quite widespread and quite severe and it is going to cost a lot of money to bring relief to people who have been affected. Notwithstanding whatever shortages we are experiencing we will have to find the resources to help," Rowley said.

According to the Prime Minister, the Defence Force, especially the Coast Guard and Fire Service have been using small boats going streets to reach residents stranded in their homes. Meanwhile, there are no re­ports of fa­tal­i­ties as a re­sult of the floods in sections of the twin island republic.

“Rescue operations continue with the Coast Guard utilizing boats to reach stranded persons. I want to assure persons that the Government is doing all that it can to, in the first instance, rescue trapped persons and then to ensure that they have the resources they need when they get to the shelters," Rowley said.

He said all corporations are on standby and continue assisting affected areas.

Initially, various parts of the country were totally impassable, such as Caroni, St Helena, Kelly Village, Las Lomas etc.