The Gambia Red Cross Society, as the leading humanitarian institution simultaneously responded by deploying a team of staff and volunteers on the ground in response to the needs of the affected families by providing humanitarian services in accordance with fundamental principles of the Red Cross.
Based on our strategy, GRCS responded as rapidly and as effectively as possible, by mobilising resources (people, NFIs, and other assets) and using our network in a coordinated manner so that the initial effects of the windstorm are countered and the needs of the affected communities are met.
The first phase of the response was:
By 22:00 hrs, GRCS loaded three vehicles with relief items (250 Sleeping Mats, 300 Bed sheets, 43 Big Buckets, 80 small buckets, 1080 pieces of soap, 276 bottles of Dettol, 300 Blankets, 700 reusable face masks, 290 bottles of Bleach) together with staff to reinforce the capacity of the 20 local volunteers and regional staff already operating on the ground.
The number of affected households sums up to 163. There are reports of 2 confirmed injuries, including a 5yr old boy. Many homes were completely destroyed, but some partially damaged. Few injured persons are recorded (actually seeking medical attention), but figures need to be confirmed for injured persons. So far, all relief items have been delivered and the assessment is still ongoing in the regions.
According to GRCS staff and volunteers on ground, there is huge need for humanitarian support such as shelter, food, medication, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene products (WASH).
GRCS is on the process of launching a Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to address the urgent needs of the affected people targeting to support 200 families severely affected by the windstorm.
NB: The typical and the most urgent needs created by the windstorm surge is shelter.
Gambia’s volunteer doctors have taken it upon themselves to account for positive cases that are self-isolating at home by regularly calling and monitoring their conditions
A total number of 118 bags alleged to be containing cocaine, two vehicles and a speed-boat including its carrier were yesterday tendered and admitted as exhibits during a trial involving the State versus Banta Keita and Sheriff Njie on money laundering and drug related offences.
The Solo Sandeng Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, the Gambia Police Force, The National Human Rights Commission and Civil Society Organisations on Thursday commemorated the 14th April 2016 peaceful protest under the theme- ‘From Words to Action’.
The governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG), Buah Saidy, yesterday told journalists in a press conference that his integrity matters in the alleged corruption involving a staff of the bank and vowed to resign from his position if the D155 million was paid to the bank.
