By: Haruna Kuyateh
A windstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall on 8 June has displaced families and damaged property in several communities in Sami District of the Central River Region North (CRRN), local officials and residents have said.
The affected communities include Sami Pachonki, Sami Madina, Sami Omar Jula, Madiana and Sami Suruwa Kunda in Niani District.
According to the Regional Livestock Director for North Bank Region, Madou Camara, several homes were destroyed, leaving about 25 people displaced. Household items including mattresses, beds, clothing and chairs were also damaged.
He described the situation as devastating and called for urgent humanitarian assistance for affected families.
Residents said food supplies were lost and corrugated iron roofs were blown off several houses, while other infrastructure such as a poultry house and a borehole tank were also damaged in some communities.
Local authorities and residents have appealed to government and humanitarian organisations to provide support to the affected households.