Tail of storm causes havoc in T&T

Government ministers, emergency services and relief officials were out in full force on Sunday in various communities in Trinidad and Tobago dealing with heavy flooding and damage done by the tail of Hurricane Tomas.

All storm warnings have now been lifted. On Sunday, it was a different story and the skies opened up, dumping heavy rains on both islands.

Tobago and North East Trinidad were hit the hardest, although south Trinidad felt the effects of the storm as well.

Is is fortunate that the plans put into effect since Friday's tropical storm warnings by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar were still place. That made it easier for all resources to be available quickly to deal with the problem.

Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma told the Trinidad Express his ministry had been prepares since Friday when Persad-Bisessar told all ministers to be on full alert. He said his officials had gathered foodstuff and other supplies and "even books and toys for children".

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) reported that its personnel were able to activate a quick response with representatives from agencies such as TTEC, the Defence Force, Special Anti Crime Unit, Unemployment Relief Programme and CEPEP.