Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Woodland residents faced a challenging night on Wednesday as with the receding flood waters there has been an infestation of centipedes, scorpions, beetles and snakes in their homes. Adding to their misery is the stench from decaying carcasses in the lagoons behind their homes.
Paro Manchan and his family had to wade through Pluck Road with bags of clothing and a case of water in search of a dry place to sleep at a relative’s house.
“Our house is still submerged. There’s knee-high water inside. We can’t stay there, everything is damaged. Our beds are wet, clothing, everything’s gone,” he said.
The flooding was caused by a breach in the New Cut Channel.
On Monday, four breaches were identified, one of which has since been fixed by Laing Contractors.
Liquat Ali-Khan, arrived from Princes Town to distribute sandwiches and water to flood-affected families.
“We heard about the floods, so we prepared dinner and distributed it to all the houses to provide comfort to those affected by this great flood,” Ali-Khan said.
In total, he distributed 270 sandwiches.
President of the Woodland Flood Action Group Adesh Singh said the area was scary at night.
“We have lots of dead animals floating around because their natural habitats were disturbed. Because of the speed at which the floods rose, they didn’t have time to go to secure grounds,” he said.
“We are scared and it is difficult, especially for parents who have kids, especially since caimans, rats, spiders, snakes, scorpions, are coming into your homes.”
Sieunarine Bansgopaul said his brother Jeffrey had fallen ill because of the horrid conditions.
“Everywhere is waterlogged. We cannot cook in the kitchen,” he said.
Only one bedroom is habitable and that is where the family cooks, sleeps and eats.
Subrina Bansgopaul, who sat on a mattress helping her children with their homework, said, “My wish is to have a safe place to put my children. It is not easy being in this kind of environment.”
President of the South Oropouche Riverine Flood Action Group Edward Moodie called emergency shelters should be set up near to flooded communities. He said too often victims face additional stress from thieves who pilfer valuables. He said there should be a flood relief plan could immediately kick into place to bring help to people faster.
The floods subsided in several areas but in many side traces there were still extensive floods. Late yesterday, pipe borne water was restored in the flooded areas, allowing residents to clean and cook.