On Sunday September 22nd, 2019 the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Kazim Hosein joined Minister of National Security Stuart Young, Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinanan, Minister of Health, Terrance Deyalsingh and CEO of the ODPM, Major General (Ret’d) Rodney Smart at a joint press conference to address emergency preparedness by all governmental and security agencies for Tropical Storm Karen.
This was in response to the “red level” adverse weather alert issued by the Meteorological Office of Trinidad and Tobago (MET Office) at 6AM today. The red level indicates severe risk to public safety and property. Persons are advised to take shelter in a sturdy place and remain there unless given the all clear. Only evacuate if your safety is threatened.
Before meeting with other governmental representatives at this morning’s media conference, Minister Hosein visited the Emergency Operations Centre at Kent House, Maraval where disaster management operations have been on-going for the last 36 hours.
Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Senator Kazim Hosein reiterates the Ministry’s readiness for any impending disaster. Minister Hosein noted that “All fourteen (14) Corporations are working in unison. We have taken an all-of-Corporation approach to disaster preparedness. Equipment has been mobilized. Our shelter management protocols have been activated and our DMUs are ready to provide emergency response in every community. Ten thousand (10,000) sandbags have been distributed thus far.” Persons can continue to collect by contacting the DMU hotlines for their Corporations.
In his address to the media, Minister Young noted that no decision was taken to shut down Trinidad on Monday September 23rd, 2019 as Tropical Storm Karen is currently moving northwards. The ODPM and Met Office will continue to monitor the tropical storm activity and updates will be provided during the course of the day.
Following the press conference, Minister Hosein will tour the Piparo area today. He will be meeting with residents who have been affected by the recent volcanic activity in an effort to provide relief. The area has been cordoned off and the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service is maintaining a presence there. Officials from T&TEC are also present to assess active lines.
Minister Hosein is also appealing to all citizens to provide assistance to anyone in need during this period of intense weather. “Be your brother’s keeper. We are all in this together. Let us make a more consistent effort to remain safe and look out for our neighbours.”
Members of the public are reminded to contact the Ministry’s Disaster Management Unit at any time for emergency assistance. Sandbag distribution will also continue during the course of today at the DMU offices in every Corporation.