NBR: Windstorm victims in dire need of humanitarian support

By: Haruna Kuyateh

Thousands of households including a health post were been severely destroyed by the last week’s dreadful windstorm in the North Bank region and authorities said the victims are in dire need of humanitarian support. At least ten people reported dead by the National Disaster Management.

Foodstuff, clothing, among other items blew away and destroyed by the windstorm, leaving some victims homeless, as they sought for shelters in schools, training centres among other places.

Lamin Saidy, regional disaster management coordinator called for collective data collection to enable the country have comprehensive data that can help inform government and other actors for possible humanitarian support to disasters families.

He disclosed that assessments of the damaged are on-going at the affected seven districts.

Mama Manneh, executive director of Njawara Agricultural Training Centre described the disasters as unfortunate, noting that the Centre operations have been affected, as infrastructure, motor cycles, vehicles were damaged. The centre provides training for women and youth’s and therefore launched passionate assistants and supports to communities.

“The destruction of houses, food stuff, farm tools and clothing poised families to seek shelter from extended families and neighbours. Also, affected families were so desperate and, in some places, people spent the nights in affected compounds,” one of the residents said.

At least 2 people died in Memmeh, 1 died in Kerr Selleh, 1 died in Ali Hawa, 1 Kerr Sidiki in Upper Nuimi, 2 in Njawara Lower Badibou and 1 in Konteh Kunda Sukoto of Upper Badibou.