Port of Spain mayor Joel Martinez said work is being carried out to clear the drains under the Port of Spain market so that the water which has pooled on Abattoir Road will subside. These flood waters have been causing heavy traffic for vehicles entering and leaving Port of Spain since Wednesday.
MP Keith Scotland said there had been no reports of flooding in St James and Woodbrook with the rains over the past two days. He said an investigation would be carried out into the root causes of the flooding at Abattoir Road. He noted two members of the joint select committee he was a part of on Friday were delayed because of the traffic caused by the issue.
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, speaking at the NWRHA’s influenza vaccination outreach at the Brian Lara Promenade on Friday, said the flooding was also a health issue, as people were at risk of contracting leptospirosis.
“The urine from rodents has a bacteria called leptospirosis which can cause severe disease and death in humans.
“We have had a few cases reported, especially in San Fernando, since flooding began. I am imploring people to not deliberately go into flood waters, unless there is danger to life and property, especially in farms areas and where there are rodents present. If you have to handle dead animals, use plastic gloves or double plastic bags over your hands, and wear a mask to avoid inhaling pathogens. Follow public health measures as much as possible.”
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