Not again, flood victims cry

PORT-OF-SPAIN – Why us again? This was the cry on Sunday by Central and South Trinidad residents who were overcome by flooding twice in just over a week. Much of Trinidad and Tobago remained dry, apart from a few showers in the northern and southern parts of the island which allowed authorities some breathing space for the ongoing clean-up and relief operations across the country.  The rains in Central began just before noon and the intense rainfall lasted almost half-an-hour, and within minutes the water began rising along streets in Cunupia. Along Hinkin Street, off the Southern Main Road, Cunupia, Goowra Baldeo looked on helplessly as the water began rising. It entered her house a few minutes later. “They call me the lady who complains,” said Baldeo, adding that she called the Chaguanas Borough Corporation many times for help, without luck. Wearing a drenched, multicoloured dress, Baldeo said that on Sunday morning she got up, cleaned her home, which was affected by last week’s flooding and was about to prepare lunch. Then the rains came.“What can I do?” she asked. “I clean up this morning, watch the rain, sit down and cry. After that I will cook, then eat. I have no choice but to deal with it.”Located along a short street off the Endeavour Road, Francis Wellington and his family used small plastic containers to scoop the dirty water out of his family’s house.Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner said he was preparing for more flooding in November. He told the Express he was concerned that no dredging of rivers and cleaning of drains had been done in the dry season. (Trinidad Express)