Maraval floodsBy NALINEE SEELAL Tuesday, November 18 2008
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WATER EVERYWHERE: Persistent, heavy showers in Port-of-Spain flooded several streets of the capital, with these two vehicles stalling in more than thr...
A huge piece of mountain which became loose due to heavy rainfall is believed to have caused the mudslide which resulted in the loss of life in Le Platte Village, Maraval, on Sunday.
The mudslide originated 500 feet above the home of victim Barbara Emmanuel, 67.
Yesterday, the spot where Emmanuel’s home once stood remained covered in mud.
By 2 pm yesterday, Le Platte villagers were fearing the worst as heavy rainfall threatened to cause more mudslides and landslides.
Neighbours of Emmanuel remained indoors, but said they were not leaving their homes because they have nowhere else to go.
Yesterday, several other residents of Le Platte Village stayed at home to engage in clean-up operations in the aftermath of the mudslides, landslides and flooding on Sunday.
Togana Le Platte whose house is located close to where Emmanuel’s house once stood said he and others have no choice but to hope that they do not fall victims to any more mudslides and landslides.
He added that what happened on Sunday was frightening. As a result he called on the Ministry of Works to provide better drainage. In addition, he said, people ought to stop their slash and burn methods in the mountains.
Yesterday, motorists travelling along Saddle Road, Maraval, were forced to carefully drive their vehicles along the flooded roadway.
Gushing water from the mountains flooded the Saddle Road and caused the nearby river running along Saddle Road to spill onto the already flooded roadway. Motorists were forced to tuirn around and wait on higher ground until the water subsided.
Residents said they experienced the worst flooding between Saturday and yesterday.
A road connecting Maraval and Petit Valley was on the verge of collapse yesterday. Motorists expressed fear that lives could be lost.
Residents added that due to the heavy rainfall large boulders from the top of the mountain came down and caused damage to some houses.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Works sent workers to Le Platte Village to assist in clean up operations.
