Investigation of the Watercourses and measures to alleviate flooding in the Penal/ Debe Region

Abstract

Flooding is a major concern for Small Island Developing States, particularly in the Caribbean region due to the tropical climate. The islands of Trinidad and Tobago, frequently experience severe weather conditions and of recent experience perennial flooding. Within the last three years, within Trinidad, the Penal / Debe region (PDR) has been affected by severe flooding, particularly in the year 2017 after Tropical Storm Bret, affecting the South Oropouche River Basin and so this region was chosen for this work. For this study, ten areas within the region were selected and a mix method comprising of both qualitative and quantitative research methods were utilized to gather data. It was found that businesses have incurred losses that amount up to TT$750,000.00 while domestic residents have lost over TT$60,000.00 worth of property during the incidents of flooding. The attributing factors for the flooding were determined as include the increased rainfall during the wet season coupled with the high tides and the sea level rise and watercourses within the area being clogged due to improper dredging and maintenance. The recommendations for alleviation of the flooding included a plan which looked at an education and awareness programme, dredging of the watercourses, the implementation of new water catchments, re-vegetation of damaged areas, the implementation of technology to improve monitoring and response and legislation to encourage best practices. Costings were performed for the various recommendations to allow for the region to make appropriate decisions regarding implementation.