Multi-disciplinary committee to develop landslide mitigation measures

The ODPM

August 17, 2012:

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) coordinated a meeting with key stakeholders to discuss solutions to landslides in Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday 15th August 2012.

The meeting was chaired by Shyankaran Lalla, Chairman of the National Building Codes Committee. Mr. Lalla informed the group that due to the recent flooding and landslides it was necessary to meet with stakeholders in order to establish a multi-disciplinary committee to develop landslide mitigation measures and solutions.

The ODPM’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Stephen Ramroop, stated that once established the committee’s next step should be to conduct baseline assessments and critical assessments of infrastructure.

Meeting attendees agreed that establishing several short term solutions could reduce the negative impact of severe weather in our communities.

Dr. Ramroop requested that the committee recommend these short term solutions as soon as possible and ensure they could work in tandem with long term mitigation measures.

Committee members will also be required to identify estimated costs and budgets associated with restoration and rehabilitation initiatives for impacted areas. Proposals with suggestions for assessment methodologies and the committee’s way forward are expected to be submitted in a week’s time.

Courtesy the ODPM