Ninety-four
(94) households with a total of 857 people in five communities in the Lower
River Region were affected by flash flood and windstorm caused by heavy
rainfall recently.
Lamin
Saidy, regional disaster coordinator, said more than 10 of the affected
households were displaced, and that the communities of Kiang Jasobo and Jarra
Bureng were the most affected by the flood and windstorm.
Speaking
to reporters in Mansakonko, Mr Saidy pointed out that people in the affected
communities are in dire need of support as they have lost most of their
valuable materials like foodstuff, shelter and money.
According
to the report of the initial assessment conducted by the Regional Disaster
Management Committee, the people affected suffered from total blown off roofs,
partial and completely collapsed buildings and inundation of their compounds.
The
report also indicated the destruction caused to public infrastructure within
the communities of Kiang Jasobo and Jarra Bureng.
Mr
Saidy said there was no report of death but “some people sustain injuries as
seen in Jasobo were a 7-year-old girl sustained broken thigh”.
“We
will continue to monitor the situation in terms of health threats and food
security issues in the subsequent assessment as the situation unfold,” he said.
The
regional disaster coordinator explained that measures taken by his office and
partners at the regional level include conducting rapid assessment and delivery
of initial support to the affected communities.
Saidy,
however, called on partners to assist the National Disaster Management Agency
so as to conduct a detailed assessment in the affected communities.
Governor
Fanta Bojang Samateh Manneh of LRR said the assessment report that was compiled
by the regional disaster management committee has specified some
recommendations to address the situation of the affected communities.
She
said her office, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency,
is working closely in terms of coordination and resource mobilisation.
The
governor called on the government, philanthropists, NGOs, private sector and UN
agencies to support the affected people in building back their lives and
livelihoods.
She
thanked the UK Jarra Association, the UK Bureng Association, USA Bureng
Association and the National Assembly member for Kiang East and his team for
their swift response.
Meanwhile,
the governor advised the communities to always consult the physical planning
unit when it comes to building construction and land allocation for settlement
within their communities.
“This
will significantly reduce the level of destruction even if there comes heavy
downpour or windstorm,” the LRR governor said.
