(Trinidad Guardian) Under heavy clouds, Woodland residents prepared for possible evacuation as floodwaters from the South Oropouche River Basin rose, spreading across the lower plains and flooding homes.
Major breaches along the New Cut Channel inundated areas that were usually dry, as water levels continued to rise during the day. Speaking to Guardian Media, the president of the Woodland Flood Action Group, Kevin Harduar, said residents remained on high alert.
“Many of us have already put our valuables on higher ground, but still the floods came and destroyed property,” he said.
He noted that teams were making frequent checks on the Woodland Floodgates to ensure the rivers were being drained. During the morning period when the tide was low, the water flowed quickly, but Harduar said the riverbank breaches on New Cut Channel were causing the river to flow into the plains and enter people’s houses.
When Guardian Media visited Pluck Road around 10 am, a flood gauge showed two feet of water. Kumar Sookdeo stood inside his flood-ravaged living room helplessly watching as his Christmas decorations and refrigerator floated away. Sookdeo’s kitchen cabinets were soaked, and the scent of mud and slush pervaded the area. His decorations floated and closets filled with muddied clothing stood in a pile in the centre of his once cosy den.
Nearby, resident Yograj Deonath waded through the floods as empty barrels, cans, and fishing nets floated away. Deonath said it was too early to tabulate losses but noted there was extensive water damage, with some belongings submerged or washed away.
Another resident from San Francique Deoraj Jairaj said, “We have a lot of damage, even the washing machine is underwater, the couch, the kitchen—everything is drenched. We are facing a lot right now, so any assistance will be accepted.” For some, evacuation felt like the only solution.
Resident Sham Sookralie, who lives along the riverbank, expressed despair over repeated flooding.
“I live in that house, and this is the situation,” he said, pointing to his wooden home. “Every time the water rises, I lose everything because this is where I live. Whatever is within reach of the water is lost.”
Reflecting on the struggle, he added, “I would like to move out because every time, this is what we have to go through. Nobody would like to live in water.” Residents also raised concerns about the lack of proper drainage infrastructure.
“We’re locked in, and we cannot stay indoors,” said Kumar Sookdeo, adding, “This is due to the lack of drainage. The water is just sitting in one place. Sandbags make no sense at this height.”
Meanwhile, Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayrhoo stated that over 50 households were affected by the floodwaters, with full assessments to follow once the floods recede.
Mayor Mayrhoo laid the blame for the flooding squarely on Heritage Petroleum.
Pointing to neighbouring streets that were inundated with floodwaters, Mayrhoo called on authorities to address the riverbank issues.
“If you notice, on the opposite side, Ackaloo Trace and Centeno Trace are also flooded. We need a solution,” he said. He also condemned Heritage Petroleum for failing to repair these river breaches despite repeated complaints.
“There is a breach on the riverbank that is causing the flooding due to Heritage’s negligence. Heritage has not done the proper work to secure the embankment.”
Guardian Media reached out to Heritage Petroleum but there was no response up to late yesterday.
