Thousands struggle to recover after heavy floods in Trinidad

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – A week of heavy rain has caused widespread flooding on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, damaging thousands of homes.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency said Thursday that more than 4,300 homes were damaged and 500 farmers affected. Officials said that nearly 250 people remain in shelters.

The rains knocked out power, unleashed landslides and forced nearly two dozen schools to close. Authorities are still distributing relief items including water, shoes and hygiene kits.

Trinidad’s northeast region was most affected by rains that hit the island for a week.