Two earthquakes shook Trinidad and Tobago after heavy rain caused significant flooding on the island.
The first 4.2 magnitude tremor occurred around 4:41 p.m. local time on Saturday, reports Caribbean 360. A 5.1 quake hit the island less than 24 hours later on Sunday at 12:35 p.m.
The quakes hit Trinidad and Tobago as the nation worked to recover from flooding caused when a month’s worth of rainfall fell on Friday. Homes were flooded, and vehicles were left submerged in the murky waters. Many residents had to be rescued from their roofs with boats and dinghies.
"People who were marooned had to be lifted out of their homes by the defense force with rafts,” journalist Renuka Singh told The Gleaner. “Some people actually brought out fishing boats and were volunteering to rescue people. People were in chest-high water trying to get out. We have been having a bit of difficulty coordinating because people are stretched thin right now.”
There were no confirmed injuries or deaths reported from the earthquakes or floods.
Prime Minister Keith Rowley admitted the situation is dire.
“This is a national disaster, the flooding is quite widespread and quite severe, and it is going to cost a lot of money to bring relief to people who have been affected,” Rowley said.
Kamina Johnson, Jamaica's minister of foreign affairs, blamed the disaster on climate change.
“While we are heartened to know that to date, there are no reports of loss of life; we are truly saddened to learn of the number of persons affected by the heavy rains and others trapped in their communities by landslides. This is yet another example of how the Caribbean is having to grapple with the very real effects of climate change," Johnson said.
Trinidad native Nicki Minaj expressed her sorrow and willingness to help on Twitter:
Trinidad ???????? ???? broken hearted to see this. Hope I can help. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/vmD6FD3Ign
— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) October 22, 2018
Black Panther star Winston Duke, another native, also shared well wishes.
My thoughts are with my home country, Trinidad & Tobago, as they cope with the effects of heavy rains & nationwide flooding. My heart is with you! I have been stunned by the devastation but also comforted by the amazing efforts of everyday folks towards each other. This is T&T???????? pic.twitter.com/uD5S0QOtlz
— Winston Duke (@Winston_Duke) October 22, 2018
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