Clean-up operations continued yesterday in Penal after torrential showers and high winds on Thursday caused destruction to seven homes in the area.
But Penal councillor Shanty Boodram of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation is calling on the Rural Development and Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein to release state funds to assist residents urgently.
Yesterday, three of the seven families were left mopping up and repairing damaged roofs and sunning drenched clothing and mattresses following the showers.
According to 60-year-old Jeanette Ramnarinsingh the showers came and ravished her family split level wooden structure located at Bombay Avenue, Quinam Road. Ramnarinsingh said she was sitting in the downstairs area of the home she occupied with her three sons, one physically challenged, a grandson and daughter-in-law.
She said that was when strong winds ripped off the roof and burst the tank, which then landed in the road.
Ramnarinsingh said she thought it was a tornado that swept through the area and sought shelter under the house she rented for the past 30 years. She said all her mattresses and food supplies were water-soaked by the devastation.
At Beckles Street, Penal Bobby and Ria Seepersad also suffered losses mainly food supplies and appliances. Ria said the family was out when the heavy showers trashed their home.
Ria said all of her supplies for her one-year-old baby were destroyed.
Ria’s sister-in-law Nathasha Ramnarine showed a waterlogged downstairs apartment and pointed out the major infrastructural damages to the building. She said she was afraid the building would collapse if she spent another night there.
Another resident also told a similar tale. Trinelle Gracia said she got help to temporarily repair her home from villagers. Garicia said she lived at the Smart Avenue, Lachoos Road, Penal with three of her six children 11, 14, and 17 years-old. The 42-year-old woman said she sought help from Self Help many times before but to no avail. She is now calling on the authorities to help her fully repair the home and supply school gears for her children.
Councilor for Penal Shanty Boodram visited the areas to see what assistance was needed but said the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation’s hands were tied.
Boodram said, “the Corporation is staved for funding,” and was limited in what it can do.
She said: “Since last year, because this happened three times last year, but no compensation was forthcoming. Seven homes in total were affected this time. The Corporation don’t have, not even a mattress. We got some assistance for foodstuff, water and mattress.
“We want the government to release the money so we can help the people in their time of need. We are also calling on Self Help and the Social Welfare Services, or any corporate citizen for assistance for these families. Babies and children are affected and a little assistance can go a long way.”
Boodram said anyone willing to pledge support or help can contact her at 741-0757.