Ameen said some public officials responsible for enforcing building, health and environmental regulations have allegedly accepted bribes and allowed developments that do not meet legal requirements to proceed. She said blocked drains and waterways, along with indiscriminate dumping and unauthorized land filling, have compounded flooding problems, while some cases are already under investigation and could be referred to police and the Fraud Squad.

Officials from the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation said approximately 26 homes were affected by flooding in communities including Calcutta, Claxton Bay and Gasparillo. Corporation chairman Ryan Rampersad said authorities identified areas where land was being filled without the necessary permissions, contributing to blocked waterways, while equipment was deployed where possible to clear affected areas.