Two Cedros families were forced to abandon their homes after a landslip left the buildings structurally damaged following persistent showers over the past few days.
The families moved out on Thursday have sought refuge by relatives until they could find permanent accommodation or get help to rebuild their homes.
Emarie Jagroop, a housewife, recalled that she and her husband Ashton Ragoonanan, a labourer, were having their morning cup of coffee at their Bamboo Village home while their nine-year-old daughter was preparing for school when they were startled by a loud crack.
Jagroop’s 24-year-old son had already left for work.
“We heard a loud sound like something crack. We get off the chair and went across to the bedroom and we saw a crack running across the wall. Less than an hour later that crack was wide enough for a foundation block to fit in the space.”
They were advised by an engineer and the Fire Services that it was unsafe for them to stay in their home.
Jagroop said they went to get help from their MP Edmund Dillon in Point Fortin yesterday, but he was not there.
“What we are asking for is if we could get material to build a retaining wall. The Siparia Regional Corporation is willing to provide labour. We could break down the structure (their house), and rebuild in that same area, but away from the landslip.”
Jagroop said they have been living there for 17 years and only recently repaired their roof.
Cedros councillor Shankar Teelucksingh said of the two houses Jagroop’s house was the worst damaged.
He said Edris Thomas-Joseph, 73, and her 45-year-old son also had to evacuate from their home because of the safety of the building.
Teelucksingh said the corporation activated the emergency shelter at the Cedros Community Centre but the families opted not to overnight there.
He said the corporation also provided transport for the families to move their belongings and also organised hot meals for them.
As Teelucksingh pleaded with the authorities to help the families, he recalled nine months ago eight houses were destroyed by a massive land slippage in the same village.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley who toured the area said then the families would be relocated to a nearby Housing Development Corporation development while steps were taken to assign them nearby lots on State land.
Teelucksingh said while the families were relocated they were still awaiting the deed of comfort for the land to start rebuilding.
“Why are they dragging their feet when there are lands available?” he asked. Teelucksingh noted that the Habitat for Humanity, the Catholic Church and other non-government organisations were on standby to assist the families to rebuild their homes.