Parts of Penal remain flooded at this time, with efforts currently focused on getting food and other supplies to affected residents.

Flooding was first reported yesterday and continued today due to persistent rainfall.

103.1FM News got an update a few moments ago from Chairman of the Penal Debe Regional Corporation, Gowtam Maharaj.

He says flooding is continuing at Lachoos Road and expects a deterioration of the situation in Woodland and other areas, due to a non-functional pump.

Mr Maharaj says a shelter was opened in Barrackpore last night to accommodate a number of affected residents.

He estimates that several thousand have been affected by the flooding, and backed a call by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for the Penal/Debe region to be treated as a disaster zone.

Mrs Persad-Bissessar is among those currently on site to view the situation and distribute aid.