12 families ‘severely’ affected by fire in North Bank

At least 12 families were severely affected by fire outbreaks in the North Bank Region from January to March 2015, the regional disaster management coordinator has said.

Momodou BK Ceesay said people should be vigilant in handling cases of domestic and bush fires to avoid them becoming calamitous.

Mr Ceesay made this statement during the quarterly meeting of the North Bank Regional Disaster Management Committee recently held in Kerewan.

The meeting was held to review and find out more measures of mitigating disaster at various levels and institutions.

The governor and chairperson of North Bank Regional Disaster Management Committee said the review meeting would help the committee to assess the achievement and challenges in attaining disaster risk reduction in the region.

Lamin Queen Jammeh said the Gambia government is committed to disaster risk prevention as a way of achieving sustained development.

Balla Touray, regional fire officer at Barra Fire and Rescue Services station, said there is a need to sensitise boat owners on the importance of sea safety, especially procurement of life-jackets which enhance the safety of passengers.

Mr Touray appealed for more water hydrant points along Barra-Kerewan Highway for enhanced firefighting, in the event of fire outbreak.

Mama Manneh, director of Njawara Agricultural Training Centre, called on the disaster management committee to promote information sharing and networking to address disasters in the region.

The outcomes of the quarterly meeting of the North Bank Regional Disaster Management Committee is expected to include further strategies on how to intensify public awareness on disaster risk reduction at all levels.