ADDRESSING THE
PROBLEM OF FLOODING
Courtesy the
Environmental Management Authority
(Excerpts)
Trinidad Guardian
January 31, 2000
Page 21
One
of the major results of the loss of vegetative cover is
flooding in low-lying areas.
Over
the years, the problem of flooding has become so widespread that it is possible
to identify areas previous unaffected by excessive water now suffering a
similar predicament to those areas generally more prone to flooding.
Trinidad
and Tobago is not unique for its vulnerability to flooding. Over the past two years or so a number of
communities in the global village have suffered tremendous damage as a result
of surging floodwaters.
This
demonstrates very clearly that regardless of location there is a direct
correlation between human mismanagement of natural resources and increasing
levels of disaster and hardship.
There
are a number of contributing factors to the growing problem of flooding both
here at home and internationally.
Chief
among these is the heightened pace of urban development which places
considerable stress on the environment.
There is little disagreement that homes and schools must be built,
factories constructed, roads laid, and food cultivated.
Unfortunately,
man has done everything to facilitate modern needs with little thought for
synergy between development and nature.
As
a result:
1.
Quarrying
activities contribute significantly to the siltation of riverbeds thereby
physically reducing the amount of water that the river retains.
2.
Slash
and burn agriculture places undue stress on the land eventually reducing its
fertility.
3.
Unplanned
housing developments on hills severely reduces vegetative cover, which often
makes the difference between flooding and the natural run off of water into
traditional watercourses.
4.
The
dumping of everything from cars to household refuse in rivers and drains
reduces the capacity of the drainage system, which leads to overflowing.
5.
The
extension of urban development into flood plains has forced surplus waters to
find other outlets.
Flood
plains are nature's way of channeling excess water. When these plains are replaced by concrete or other structures,
the water must find another way out.
In
addition, Trinidad and Tobago being in a tropical climate zone is prone to what
is described as "high intensity' rainfall, that is very heavy rain over a
short period of time resulting in flash flooding, or heavy rainfall which
results in the saturation of the soil.
These
climatic features have a direct impact on the ability of the land to absorb extra
water.
In
light of the above it should be easy to understand why more and more areas of
the country have become susceptible to floods and why during the rainy season
it feels as through we have lost control in the face of angry, swiftly moving
muddy waters.
The
new century will see the introduction of a water resources management strategy
for Trinidad and Tobago Water Resources agency, for this study. The present study, which will soon be
presented to Cabinet, examines a number of critical areas, apart from
flooding. The areas of focus include:
·
Watershed
Management: incorporating a national reforestation programme.
·
Encouraging
terracing of hillsides for agriculture, rather than slash and burn methods.
·
Restricting
of activities on slopes, particularly with regard to housing and agriculture.
·
Regulating
urban development activities such as quarrying and logging.
The
Water Resources policy that will evolve from this process will eventually mean
a better water quality and supply for all citizens and reduced risk to
flooding.
Of
course, the only way that the policy will be successful is if everyone takes
responsibility for the worsening situation.
Individual
action may extend to proper disposal of refuse and putting an end to wanton
littering of streets and watercourses, while any future development will have
to be more compatible with environmental concerns.
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PREPARING FOR
THE FLOOD: |
|
·
If you live in a frequently flooded area, stockpile emergency
building materials such as plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber nails, hammer
and saw, shovels and sandbags. ·
Plan and practice an evacuation route; do not forget about pets. ·
Shut off appliances at the fuse box or breaker panel. Put freezers, washers, dryers and other
appliances up on wood or cement blocks to keep the motors above the water
level. If high water is imminent and
large appliances can't be moved, wrap them in polyethylene film, tying the
film in place with cord or rope. ·
Have disaster supplies on hand including flashlights and extra
batteries, portable, battery-operated radio, first aid kit, emergency food
and water, manual can opener and essential medicines. ·
In case family members are separated during floods (e.g. children at
school, parents art work) have a plan for getting back together. ·
Teach all children how to contact the emergency services. |
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AFTER THE FLOOD: |
|
·
Look for fire hazards such as flooded electrical circuits. ·
Watch for any dangerous animals or insects that may have entered your
home with the floodwaters. ·
Check for sewerage and water lines damage. Call in a professional if you suspect that there has been any
damage. ·
Take pictures of the damage both to the house and its contents for
insurance claims. |