Cabinet has appointed an Inter-Ministerial Committee to address the expected impact of El Niño on Trinidad and Tobago.
El Niño is a weather phenomenon that causes hotter conditions and reduced rainfall and while it occurs in the Pacific, it can and has affected elsewhere in the world, including the Caribbean.
At a media conference this morning, the Met Service’s Shakeer Baig said while T&T remains in the Wet Season and will still experience rainfall and other Wet Season events, El Niño is expected to lead to below average rainfall, longer dry spells between rainfall events, and higher daytime temperatures.
A World Meteorological Organization assessment in August also forecasts an 80% probability of El Niño conditions strengthening from August to November 2026, and a peak from November 2026 to February 2027.
This has since led to several concerns, most notably the impact on local water resources.
According to Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath, reservoirs may not reach their capacities by the end of the Wet Season, leading to a need for action.
Elaborating on this was WASA’s Acting CEO, Dain Maharaj, who said there will be work to improve infrastructure and operational efficiency, diversify water sources, reduce wastage, and improve conservation.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee will be led by Planning Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh, who said their activities will evolve with time and circumstances.
Planning Minister, Kennedy Swaratsingh.
