Rescue Operations Underway as Trinidad and Tobago Declare National Emergency

Severe flooding brought on by days of heavy rain have ravaged parts of Trinidad and Tobago, prompting Prime Minister Keith Rowley to declare a national disaster.. Rowley said: “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. The situation is bad in the St Helena/Kelly area as these communities are still experiencing very high levels of water and the roads cannot be used by vehicular traffic. Rescue operations continue with the Coast Guard utilizing boats to reach stranded persons.” These videos, taken on October 20, in St. Helena, show the rescue operations for residents trapped by the floodwaters. Thousands of people have been forced from their homes into shelters, as aid groups work to provide cots, blankets, food and other supplies. Credit: Vesh Maharaj via Storyful