A downpour of rain hit the nation’s capital just after midday yesterday, transforming the bustling streets of downtown Port-of-Spain into rivers, bringing traffic to a standstill, and forcing pedestrians to walk through high water.
The torrential rains began around 12.30 pm, causing floods that overwhelmed Port-of-Spain’s drainage systems within minutes.
Richmond and Edward Streets, as well as South Quay, were hard-hit, with floodwaters quickly rising and spilling onto the sidewalks.
City Gate was similarly affected, with commuters stranded as water levels rose.
Traffic in and out of downtown came to a grinding halt, as cars became submerged, unable to navigate the flooded streets.
Office workers and shoppers trying to make their way home walked through floodwaters with shoes in hand and clothes soaked.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Marie, a shop owner on Edward Street.
“One minute it was just a regular rainy day, and the next thing you know, the water was just over ankle high. We had to close the shop early because customers couldn’t get in or out.”
City Gate was, as usual, blocked in by water, with many trapped. Some commuters opted to run through the water, while others waited in the hope that the rains would subside.
