(Wednesday August 31st, 2016 Issue)
The
North Bank Regional Disaster Management Committee recently paid a condolence
visit to the Jah family of Nbantankiling in Upper Nuimi district, following the
untimely demise of Tala Jah, a fisherman, at sea due to a windstorm.
The
death of Jah, believed to be in his early 50s, came as a result of recent
windstorm that struck his boat whilst at sea around Nbatankiling during the
recent heavy rains.
The
deceased is survived by two wives and school-going children.
The
committee also gathered information on 48 households from the communities of
Medina Sedia, Nbantankiling, Albreda, Juffureh, Sika and Sittanunku, all in
Upper Nuimi, that were hit by the recent windstorm resulting in damage of their
roofs and displacement of persons to neighbourhoods.
Governor
Lamin Queen Jammeh, who also doubles as the chairperson of the committee,
expressed shock at the level of damage caused by the windstorm and the death of
Tala Jah of Nbantankiling.
He
reminded people to always take safety measures and precautions to avert such
situations, especially at sea.
He
challenged the committee to carry out assessment on the level of damages,
saying it would help authorities in their planning to be able to make informed
decisions.
Momodou
BK Ceesay, Regional Disaster Management Coordinator, echoed similar sentiments
and thanked community members for what he considered a humanitarian support to
the affected households.
Ceesay
called on the general public to adhere to weather forecasts and early warning
signs before going to the sea.
He
noted that some families have very slim chance for recovery, and challenged
institutions, NGOs and philanthropists to come to the aid of the affected
families.
The
NBR disaster coordinator also called on the people to plant trees which serve
as wind breaks; also stressing that parents should control their children
during the rains.
