To begin, the book, “CAPE Unit 1, New Integrated Geography,” by author Sheldon Bleasdell (2019), who

holds a degree in Geology and a diploma in Education conveys the physical and socio-economic factors
that contribute to flooding in Northern Trinidad. It expresses that historically, many towns were built
along the Caroni River’s flood plains, and hence these low-laying towns are susceptible to flooding as the
river fills. Furthermore, these effects are exacerbated by the poor drainage conditions and localized
deforestation which decrease the rate water seeps into the ground, increasing flooding. Socio-economic
factors such as lack of insurance, equipment or flood knowledge increase the negative impacts of floods
in these communities. Flooding is most prevalent in the rainy seasons, where heavy Tropical Storms may
bring flash flooding. Continuing, this source was chosen as it clearly and scientifically describes the
causes of flooding in Northern Trinidad, and hence answers the research question, “What are the main
factors that contribute to flooding in Greenvale, La Horquetta.”

Additionally, the article, “Disaster and Its Impact on Mental Health,” by Dr Nikunj Makwana (2018), a
research scholar at the Centre of Social Medicine and Community Health, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi, India, explained that persons affected by flooding faced adverse psychological effects as a
result. He stated that a person's physical health during and after a flood brings about psychological
stress such that people may have anxiety during rainfall, insomnia and may develop depression. This
source provided answers the research question: “What are the main mental effects of flooding
experienced by residents of Greenvale, La Horquetta?”

Thirdly, the case study ‘An economic analysis of flooding in the Caribbean’ by Luciana Fontes de Meira
and Willard Phillips (2019) outlined the main effects of flooding in Jamaica along with Trinidad and
Tobago through surveys and costings. The two authors are well published, Ms. de Meira being an
Environmental Affairs Officer in the United Nations (UN) and Mr. Phillips also holding a UN post as an
Economic Affairs Officer. The primary effects outlined in the article were financial burdens such as
infrastructure damage, interruption in education and reduction in revenue. This source thoroughly
explored the major effects of flooding on Caribbean nations which made it a suitable source to be used
in this literature review. As well, this source allowed insight into how relevant financial and mental
wellbeing would have been as the major problems faced by individuals affected by flooding. Concluding,
this article answers the research question “What are the main effects of flooding?”

Moreover, the article “Fear still floods Greenvale when it rains heavily” written by Guardian Media
Limited (2020), states than Greenvale experienced flooding and the financial impact it had on residents
was discussed. The Guardian interviewed residents that experienced the flooding and they all expressed
that the flood had costed them and they were still trying to recover from it. The replacement of
furniture and the repairs of buildings limited residents in terms of how they were able to spend their
money. This answers the second research question, “What are the main financial effects of flooding
experienced by Greenvale, La Horquetta?”

Lastly, the article, “Flood Management: an examination of mitigation measures for flooding in urban
areas in Trinidad” by Rudo Udika (2017), suggested some flood prevention strategies for government.
The article focused on how government should implement legislations like Trinidad and Tobago’s Small
Building Code and structural measures to mitigate flooding such as development and maintenance of
main watercourses and irrigation systems to allow for flood control in a cost-effective manner. This
source was chosen because the writer is Development & Climate Resilience Specialist. The source
answers factually and scientifically the question, “How can a recurrence of flooding in Greenville, La
Horquetta be mitigated or prevented?”
[Link]
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Questionnaire Questions

Research Questions
1. What are the main factors that contribute to flooding in Greenvale, La Horquetta?

2. What are the main financial effects of flooding experienced by residents of Greenvale, La
Horquetta?

3. What are the main mental effects of flooding experienced by residents of Greenvale, La
Horquetta?

4. How can a recurrence of flooding in Greenvale, La Horquetta be mitigated or prevented?

Factors that contribute

1 In your opinion, what are the major causes of flooding in your community, rank each factor on a
scale of 1 to 5

a. Poor drainage structures such as box drains not being maintained.

2 Do you believe that human activities such as land levelling, construction and deforestation have
contributed to flooding in your community.

a. Very little.
b. Moderately.
c. A lot.
3 Are flood events becoming more intense or more frequent, if yes, why do you think so.

a. No
b. Yes, ________________________________.

4 Did you complain to authorities, if so, what did you complain about and did they do anything
about it.

a. No
b. Yes, _______________________________________.

5 How long have you lived in this community, and how many times have you experienced flooding
whether you were impacted by it or not, and the years if you can recall.

a. Time lived _____.

Prior to the flood, did you have any substantial savings?

a)Yes

b)No

Were you able to maintain a job life and have a stable income shortly after the flood?

a)Yes

b)No

If you were to prepare financially prepare for a flooding of this magnitude to happen in the future, how
would you after experiencing this event?

_____________________________________________________________________
Did you have house insurance before the flood? If you didn't why wasn't your house insured.

a)Yes

b)No._________________________________________________________________________

Do you plan on getting house insurance?

a) Yes

b) No