Flood-hit families shifted gear yesterday to begin clean-up operations, removing furniture, appliances, clothing and other household items from their properties as waters subsided, leaving a trail of mud and debris.
For many, starting all over will be difficult but the generous donations from corporate T&T, NGOs and caring citizens may help them take the first step in getting back there.
Through the Guardian Media campaign, Flood of Relief, thousands of people shared how they were helping those citizens whose homes have been ravaged by the flood waters.
Hot meals, free power washing, mechanical repairs, food hampers, cleaning supplies, mattresses, animal rescue care and even ice were offered as convoys of trucks rolled into communities such as La Horquetta, St Helena, Caroni, Sangre Grande, Mafeking and Mayaro, among others across Trinidad.
Government MPs and senators were also out delivering hampers and giving comforting words to those most in need. Contractors also donated their heavy equipment to help remove debris.
The co-operation of State, citizen, business, NGO and religious organisations has spawned a movement rarely seen in the country. Many citizens applauded the teamwork and longed for it to continue.
Citizens abroad are also anxious to assist and efforts are being made to provide a suitable channel to receive such donations.
An appeal has also been made for our Caribbean neighbours to lend a hand.
The Prime Ministers of Jamaica, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada and the Venezuela President have been contacted.
The regional leaders have expressed their concern for the people of Trinidad and Tobago, as we grapple with the effects of the floods due to this unusually protracted period of inclement weather. They have all indicated that they are on standby to assist the people of Trinidad and Tobago in the event requests for assistance are forthcoming, a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said.
Contractor Coosal’s also yesterday carried out emergency repairs to the northbound lane of the Uriah Butler Highway between the Caroni Bird Sanctuary and just before the Munroe Road Overpass. The company said the work would have cost $100,000 but it decided to absorb the charge as part of its contribution to the cause.
In an effort to capture this huge outpouring of support to those in need at this time and in order to provide a single platform and vehicle for sharing critical information, the Guardian Media Group has created an initiative called Flood of Relief.
The platform provides a real-time avenue for the sharing of flood heroes, health tips and traffic alerts. It also highlighted the good of our people.
We will continue to use this medium to educate and inform the public on the resources available to those affected and open a channel through which you can respond with support which you may wish to give and the means of doing so.
Contributors
Chairman of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, Norman Sabga, has announced a one million dollar initial donation in goods to the areas affected.
More support has also come through:
The Agostini Group of Companies
The Prestige Group of Companies
Sagicor
Dairy Dairy
Colin Sabga (Iceland)
FireOne Fireworks and Fineline
Distributors.
Hadco
Massy
Blue Waters
Global Brands (Pizza Boys)
Nutrimix
BPTT
Government Ministries
Optometrists Today
People’s National Movement
United National Congress
Coosal’s Group of Companies
Help is available by writing to floodrelief@guardian.co.tt
Follow the stories of recovery at http://www.guardian.co.tt/flood
Follow the stories of relief at http://www.cnc3.co.tt
Follow the relief efforts at www.http://www.guardian.co.tt
Email us your information at floodrelief@guardian.co.tt
visit http://www.guardian.co.tt/flood for real-time updates
Contact Nos
NORTH
Felicia Holder - 769-4590
Richard Blazie - 498-6085
Janice Learmond-Criqui - 290-8171
CENTRAL
Anthony de Four - 688-4012
Lorena Lucien- 388-4330
EAST
Sateesh Ramsaran - 796-8172
Adisa - 347-7260
Christoph Samlal - 740-6769
SOUTH
Michelle Davis - 314-8429