Candidate Names: Sheniece Cuffy, Kianna Hamilton, Chelsea Law, Gianna Ramjohn, Nyka

Samuel

Candidate Numbers:

Centre: St. Joseph’s Convent San Fernando

Centre Number: 160068

Teacher: Ms. Kimerly Mayers

Topic: The impact of flooding on residents in the Manzanilla/Mayaro area, Trinidad and

Tobago.

1
Table of Contents

Cover Page ……………... Page 1

Table of Contents ……………Page 2

Introduction and Purpose of Research ………...Page 3-4

Literature Review….... Page 5-7

Data Collection Sources…. Page 8

Presentation of Data……Page 9-13

Analysis of Data………….. Page 14

Discussion of Data……… Page 15

Conclusion…………….. Page 16

2
 INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE OF RESEARCH

Background to the problem

Flooding has been proven to be one of the most dangerous natural disasters. It occurs

when excessive water collects in areas. The situation has been intensified by both natural and

human factors. The natural factors are prolonged rainfalls and rise in sea level due to climate

change while human factors are urbanisation, devastation of floodplains and wetlands by

man. Trinidad and Tobago has not been spared by flooding, which has impacted

infrastructure, agriculture, education and even sanitization. “Every year thousands of people

worldwide are affected by natural disasters, in particular floods.”“Global Estimates 2015:

People Displaced by Disasters.” (IDMC, 1 July 2015). Members’ of Mayaro/Manzanilla day

to day lives continue to be severely affected. Hence, this study will examine and discuss the

effects of flooding on the Mayaro/Manzanilla community.

3
Problem Statement

To investigate the impact of flooding on residents in the Manzanilla/Mayaro area, Trinidad

and Tobago.

Purpose of Research

To investigate the effects of flooding on residents in the Manzanilla/Mayaro area, Trinidad

and Tobago.

Research Questions

1) What are some of the major causes of flooding in Manzanilla/Mayaro?

2) What are the hazards and risks of flooding that residents of Manzanilla/Mayaro are

faced with ?

3) How can flooding be prevented in Manzanilla/Mayaro?

Educational value

The concluding results of this study will benefit the residents of Manzanilla/Mayaro and the

Member of Parliament for that constituency. The residents will have a clearer understanding

about the causes of flooding in that area and measures that can be used to minimise the

problem. This research can assist the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government

to understand what are some problems faced by the residents of that constituency and allow

them to develop ways in which they can assist them during flooding.

Technical terms

1. Flood- is a body of water which rises to overflow land, which is not normally

submerged. Ward, R.C. (1978)

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2. Preparedness -The knowledge developed by individuals to effectively anticipate and

recover from the impacts of imminent or current hazard.

5
LITERATURE REVIEW

A Flood is a body of water which rises to overflow land, which is not normally submerged.

Ward, R.C.(1978).Trinidad and Tobago always had instances of severe floods, however

recently it has become much more serious with longer lasting consequences for citizens.

Sholihah et al (2020) analysed the causes of flooding and its impacts on the environment.

Flooding can occur because of prolonged rainfall and the torrents of water from higher areas.

The main factors are natural conditions and phenomena like rainfall and the topography of an

area( para14). The article goes on to mention that the cause of the flood was due to erosion

and sedimentation, slums along rivers and improper flood control systems (para15).

Additionally, human activity such as pollution and urbanisation is a major cause of flooding.

Urbanisation is where spaces that should not be utilised, are utilised. The reduced open green

spaces in cities, the amount of infiltration in the city regions then decreases, therefore

resulting in increased surface flow velocity and discharge. When heavy rains fall for a long

time, most of the rainwater will flow over the soil or land surface with great velocity and

volume, subsequently accumulating into a flood (para 16).

Awopetu et al (2013) examined a study on the impact of flooding on the socio- economic

status of the residents of Wadata and Gado-Villaa communities in Nigeria (para 1). The

study was conducted among five hundred and two (502) displaced residents consisting of

males and females. The results showed that health and sanitation were a huge problem due

to the fact that many people didn’t have time to take up their belongings when the flood

occurred(para 12). Women and children were greatly affected rather than men as the men

took baths outside. (para.12). Moreover, the age group of (26-40 years ) was generally

affected by the floods which affected the productive age of the economy. (para 13).

6
Additionally, 48% of the residents had direct and indirect damage to their infrastructure

resulting in their home collapsing (para 15). Similarly, this study aims to investigate all the

impacts of flooding in the Mayaro/Manzanilla area.

According to Akpinar-Elci, Muge, et al.(2018), flooding victims in Guyana continue to

struggle even though the flood waters are gone. This study indicates that flood victims’

quality of life declines due to development of asthma and in general poor health due to mould

or mildew growth. It continued to state that persons who have experienced flooding show

signs of psychological problems such as stress, anxiety and depression. Furthermore, the

need for mental health services for flood victims is still prevalent in most affected countries

as victims continue to suffer. Addressing psychological problems can significantly aid

victims in a faster mental recovery from flooding.

Mohamed Yusoff et,al (2018) explores measures that are used to manage flooding in

Malaysia by the National Security Council Directive. These guidelines and policies include

prevention, preparedness, response and recovery (para 10). The study indicated that flood

prevention is used to reduce the impact of the flooding which can be seen in two forms,

structural and non-structural. A structural prevention identifies the measures of controlling

the dams, canals, seawalls, revetments, levees and embankments (para 11). Additionally, non

structural measures involve pre-disaster planning and regulation of human activities in order

to reduce the damage of properties and flood warning and forecasting systems (para 12).

Flood preparedness is an early flood warning system which involves the process of providing

relevant flood information to the public (para 13). The study concluded that an effective

preparedness requires the relevant authorities to have sufficient data and knowledge on

previous floods and the ability to anticipate the impending flood. Mohamed Yusoff et,al

(2018) stated that flooding response focuses on the emergency action that will take place

during the flood. It can be argued that during the flood communication can be affected as

7
well as medical supplies. Flood recovery, focus on the relief and rehabilitation support to the

flood victims which include both material and moral supports (para 15). Moreover, the study

pointed out that it is not only the responsibility of the government but required the assistance

of non government agencies and private organisations.

Conclusively, it has been discovered that if these steps are undertaken by residents who are

experiencing flooding in Manzanilla/Mayaro it can lead to a decrease in severity of impacts

and as well as causes.

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DATA COLLECTION SOURCES

PRIMARY SOURCE

The investigation utilised a questionnaire to acquire data. The questionnaire comprises

twenty-six open ended and closed ended questions which were distributed via a random

sampling to the population of the Mayaro/Manzanilla area. Recently, this area has been

adversely affected by trenchous flood waters during the rainy season of May to December

hence, making them a valuable sample. The questionnaire was distributed via a google form

to residents of Mayaro and Manzanilla on 3/01/23. This method of data collection was

chosen as it allowed rapid data collection, negligible cost and easy distribution. The data will

be presented in pie charts, bubble maps, histograms and bar graphs.

SECONDARY SOURCE

The secondary sources selected were in the form of research articles as well as local notices.

Sholihah et al (2020) outlined that the weather patterns, geographical area and human activity

such as urbanisation and pollution are the main causes of pollution. Awopetu et al (2013)

and Akpinar-Elci, Muge, et al(2018) assessed the impact flooding has on residents whether it

be socio-economic or psychological. The secondary sources were also beneficial in the

completion of the Literature Review and assisted in the development of the research

questions.

9
PRESENTATION OF DATA

Figure 1: Show the location of participants in the questionnaire

This map displays the areas in which respondents are located. It is observed that they are

all located in the Manzanilla/Mayaro area.

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Figure 2: bubble chart showing percentage of what residents consider to be the

causes of floods in November 2022

In this bubble chart, it is seen that 43.9% of the population selected poor drainage as the

cause of floods in November 2022, whereas 18.7% selected heavy rainfall as the cause

of floods. Another 18.7% selected pollution as the cause of floods and finally the

remaining 18.7% selected overflowing of the river as the cause of floods.

11
 LINE GRAPH SHOWING THE EXTENT OF DAMAGES DUE TO THE

FLOODING IN 2022 ON RESIDENTS

Figure 3 : represent a bar graph on the impact of the flood in November 2022

According to the bar graph above, 17.6% experienced no extensive damages. 17.6%

selected 2 on the scale of the damages sustained by the floods, 35.3% selected 3 as the

rating of how extensive the damages they sustained were. 5.9% chose 4 to determine

the extent of their damages. Lastly, 23.5% selected 5 to indicate the extent of damages

that they faced.

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Figure 4 : a line graph displaying estimated cost of damages due to flooding in

2022

13
 MIND MAP SHOWING RESIDENTS EMOTIONAL WELLBEING AFTER

FLOODING IN NOVEMBER 2022

Figure 5: mind map showing the psychological impacts of flooding

The mind map above displays persons’ responses when asked how they felt

emotionally after the flood in November 2022.

14
Figure 6: 3D pie chart showing who residents think should be responsible for

flood

According to the above pie chart, 40% of the respondents believe that the government

(improper planning and infrastructure) should be held resp9nsible for floods in their

area. 35% selected citizens (polluting waterways) for who they think should be held

responsible for flooding and 25% believe it is due to unforeseen circumstances.

15
FIGURE 7 SHOWING MEASURES RESIDENTS WOULD LIKE TO SEE

IMPLEMENTED TO REDUCE FLOODING

According to the bubble chart above, 41% responded with proper infrastructure/damage when

asked what measures they would like to see implemented to reduce flooding. 25% responded

with cleaning/banking rivers, where as 17.4% with proper maintenance and 16.6% with

stricter laws against population/ illegal development.

16
ANALYSIS OF DATA

Figure 1 displays a dot map of Trinidad. This indicates red dots which represent the location

of each respondent. The respondents are all located within the Manzanilla/Mayaro area,

which is where the study was based.

Secondly, Figure 2 is a bubble chart which displays the percentage of residents who stated

their opinion on the main causes of flooding in that region. The majority of residents (43.9%)

stated that improper drainage was the main cause of flooding while the remainder of residents

evenly attributed heavy rainfall, the overflowing of the river and pollution to the flooding in

Mayaro/ Manzanilla.

Figure 3 shows a bar graph highlighting the extent of damages succumbed by residents by the

flood in November 2022. Of the 17 participants who were affected, 23.5% were affected very

badly. This data obtained corresponds to figure 4 which is a line graph of the cost of repairs

after the flood, emphasising the severity of damage residents endured. Persons shared that the

lowest cost was $3,000 while the highest was $60,000.

Furthermore, Figure 5 is a mind map which displays the emotional reaction of residents after

the flood. Many felt devastation, sadness, and anxiety just to name a few.

Additionally, when questioned about who the residents felt is responsible for the flooding,

Figure 6 highlights that 40% of the respondents felt that the government is accountable due

the lack of infrastructure and improper planning. Furthermore, 35% indicated that the

citizens should accept some responsibility since they themselves contribute to pollution,

while 25% of the flooding is due to unforeseen circumstances

Finally, in Figure 7, residents stated which measures they would like to see implemented to

alleviate flooding in the area. Most residents (41%) called for proper infrastructure (drainage)

to be installed. 25% of residents stated cleaning/ banking the rivers would alleviate flooding.

17
DISCUSSION OF DATA

This study displayed that respondents were well aware of the causes of flooding.Both this

study as well as Sholihah et al (2020) agreed that climate change(18.7 %) was a major cause

of flooding, however, the poor drainage system (43.9%) in the area also added to the

overflow of water. The contrasting finds may be due to the fact that the area chosen is

situated on the coastline (figure 1) which has a known history of high tides. However, this

does not account for the fact that pollution (18.7%) was another reason for flooding. The

Ortoire river is the widest and deepest in the nation making it the prime waterways which

contributed to flooding in the manzanilla/mayaro. The link between pollution and drainage

can be sustained as the respondents expressed that littering and clogging of drains have added

to flooding.

The primary data found that the residents suffered from property damage (93.8%) , loss of

appliances(93.8%), loss of income and inability to attend school (14.2%) due to the flooding.

This was also similar to the secondary data, Awopetu et al (2013), where the 48% residents

of Nigeria underwent damage to infrastructure and the productive working age could not

fulfil their duties. Subsequently, the predominance of residents' estimated cost of property

damage was $60,000(figure 5) and rated the intensity of the damage as 3in the bar graph

(figure. Moreover, the psychological impacts of the flooding were anxiety, stress and

depression. Following on Akpinar-Elci, Muge, et al,(2018) a number of residents expressed

that feeling depressed and stressed were caused during and after the flooding. It can be

withdrawn that the cost of repairs as well as destruction of homes can advance these feelings.

The residents that are affected by the devastating floods suffer from mental and psychological

issues after the flood. Most persons affected mentally and psychologically can get help

18
through friends and family. A multi-sector approach that can involve all the communities and

organisations can be a way to promote wellbeing and recovery for a person suffering with

these issues caused by the devastating flooding. Another way for these flood victims to cope

would be the use of crisis counselling. This kind of counselling is where the therapists can sit

and listen to the victims talk about the stresses and depression that comes with being affected

by floods. According to figure 5, the mind map shows the different emotions persons affected

by. Some felt exhausted and drained, sad, overwhelmed and stressed. All of these feelings if

kept bottled up by these persons can lead to different mental health issues and psychological

issues if unresolved and treated at a time.

In conclusion this data shows the necessity for more research as it proves that persons in

Mayaro/Manzanilla are experiencing flooding and there are physical and psychological

impacts. 76.5% of the persons that responded to the questionnaire indicated that they have

experienced flooding on their property and 75.1% have experienced flooding 2 or more times

for the rainy season with damages up to $60,000. Thus further research is needed to find

effective measures and solutions to be implemented in the Mayaro/Manzanilla area to prevent

the recurrence of this disaster. Additionally, suitable psychological programs should be

offered to the residents that experienced flooding as data found psychological impacts of the

flooding were anxiety, stress and depression.

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CONCLUSION:

This study investigated the impacts of flooding on the residents of the Manzanilla/Mayaro

area. It has been concluded that the residents of the Manzanilla/Mayaro experience

stress,depression and anxiety which is similar to Akpinar-Elci, Muge, et al.(2018) article.

Additionally, urbanisation contrasted greatly in this study as it is not the cause of flooding

this area. Respondents indicated that poor drainage is the major contributor to flooding.

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LIMITATIONS:

The investigation sample size was small and the finding that is presented cannot be

generalised to all the residents who may experience flooding in the Manzanilla/ Mayaro area.

The reliability of the answers given by the respondents can be questioned. Since the level of

honesty could not be measured due sensitivity of particular questions such as coping

mechanisms during the flooding.. Furthermore, there was a lack of respondents via email,

which prompted us to send out the questionnaires by means of WhatsApp.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

The Ministry of Rural Development as well as Works and Transport can use this study to

reinforce measures that can be used to manage flooding in the Manzanilla/ Mayaro area.

Although flood management is not only a government responsibility, residents can establish

community agencies that can work with the Local Government to focus on relief and

rehabilitation. These activities will consist of cleaning of drains to allow for better drainage

which will reduce the levels of flood experienced. Enforcing a “no pollution” policy will also

aid with the issue.

While there may not be documentation to support mental health, it has impacted on the

resident mental state of mind during the flooding. Local leaders should integrate coping

measures to safeguard and improve the quality of life among those affected.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Akpinar-Elci, M., Rose, S., & Kekeh, M. (2018). Well-being and Mental Health Impact of

Household Flooding in Guyana, the Caribbean. Marine Technology Society Journal, 52(2),

18–22. https://doi.org/10.4031/mtsj.52.2.3,

Awopetu, R. G., Awopetu, S. O., & Awopetu, M. S. (2013). The impact of flood on the

socio-economic status of residents of Wadata and Gado-villa communities in the Makurdi

metropolitan area of Benue State, Nigeria. WIT Transactions on the Built Environment.

https://doi.org/10.2495/dman130311.

Carrington.O (2022) Severe flooding prevents rehab work in Manzanilla.

https://guardian.co.tt/news/severe-flooding-prevents-rehab-works-in-manzanilla-

6.2.1575787.ffa9f8d0cf

IDMC. Global Estimates 2015: People Displaced by Disasters (Internal Displacement

Monitoring Center, 2015.

Mohamad Yusoff, I., Ramli, A., Mhd Alkasirah, N. A., & Mohd Nasir, N. (2018). Exploring

the managing of flood disaster: A Malaysian perspective. Malaysian Journal of Society and

Space, 14(3), 24–36. https://doi.org/10.17576/geo-2018-1403-03

Sholihah, Q., Kuncoro, W., Wahyuni, S., Puni Suwandi, S., & Dwi Feditasari, E. (2020). The

analysis of the causes of flood disasters and their impacts in the perspective of environmental

23
law. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 437(1), 012056.

https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/437/1/012056

Ward, R.C. (1978) Floods: A Geographical Perspective. Macmillan Press, London.

World Bank Group. 2014. Turn Down the Heat : Confronting the New Climate Normal.

Washington, DC: World Bank

https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/20595

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 APPENDICES

Appendix A: Questionnaire

Questionnaire

Good day! We are Form six (6) students of St. Joseph’s Convent San Fernando, currently

conducting research for our Caribbean Studies Internal Assessment. The purpose of this

questionnaire is to investigate your experiences with the impacts of flooding on your

residence in Mayaro/ Manzanilla. The questionnaire consists of twenty (27) open and closed

questions. Answers to all questions and complete honesty are mandatory. We intend to keep

all responses confidential. We thank you in advance for your participation.

1. What is your age?

● Under 18

● 18-25

● 26-35

● 36-45

● 46-55

● 56-65

● Over 65

2. What is your gender?

● Male

● Female

● Other

25
3. Where in Manzanilla/Mayaro is your home located?

_____________________________________________

4. Do you legally own this property?

● Yes

● No

5. How long have you lived at your current residence?

● less than 1 year

● 5 to 10 years

● 10 to 15 years

● 15 to 20 years

● More than 20 years

6. During the X years of living at this location, has there been any historic flooding on

your property/workplace?

● Yes

● No

7. In what year did you experience your first flooding?

__________________________________________

26
 During the rainy season how often did you experience flooding?

● once

● Twice

● Three times

● More than three times

8. Are you aware of the causes of flooding in Manzanilla/ Mayaro?

● Yes

● No

9. What do you think is the cause of flooding in your neighbourhood?

____________________________________________________________

10. Is your home located in close proximity to waterways?

● Yes

● No

11. Is your home located in close proximity to waterways?

● Yes

● No

27
12. State the type or types of waterways. Give names if possible, please.

_____________________________________________________________________

13. Is pollution an occurrence in your neighbourhood?

● Yes

● No

14. What are some impacts of flooding in your home? (Choose your answer or answers)

● Property/infrastructure damage

● Lost/Damaged appliances

● Mould and mildew

● Loss of Income

● Loss of agriculture (crops/animals)

● Inability to attend school

● Other (Please state)__________________

15. Was your property damaged by the flooding in November 2022?

● Yes

● No

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16. On a scale of 0-5 how extensive are the damages.

● 0- None

● 1- Very little

● 2- Little

● 3- Moderate

● 4- Bad

● 5- Very bad

17. How long does it take for water to start residing?

● A few hours

● A day

● 2 days

● More than 2 days

18. Can you give an estimated cost of the damage?

___________________________

19. Have you taken precautions to prevent the effects of flooding at your residence?

● Yes

● No

29
20. What have you done or are doing to prevent flooding in your workplace ?

_____________________________________________________________________

21. Do you think more can be done by the government to alleviate the risk of flooding in

Manzanilla/ Mayaro?

● Yes

● No

22. Can you give examples of some of your coping strategies during the flood?

_____________________________________________________________________

23. How did you feel emotionally after the flooding in November 2022?

_____________________________________________________________________

24. Have you received any assistance during or after the flood?

● Yes

● No

25. If yes, please state what kind of assistance was provided and by whom.

_____________________________________________________________________

30
26. Do you think more can be done by the government to alleviate the risk of flooding in

Manzanilla/ Mayaro?

● Yes

● No

27. If yes, please state what measures you would like to see implemented.

_____________________________________________________________________

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Appendix B: Images

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