At least 500 residents of North Bank Region (NBR) have been affected by a series of storms that pounded houses in 34 villages and destroyed properties, according to documented records in the region.

Confirming this in an interview with the Daily Observer, Edward Seckan, the governor of NBR, said the extent of the damage was colossal and called for urgent aid for the affected communities.  

He noted that the situation is being closely monitored by the Regional Disaster Relief Committee, which is under his office.

Governor Seckan used the opportunity to thank the National Disaster Relief Committee under the Office of the Vice President for visiting his region and for the disbursement of D45,000 in support of the affected communities. He also thanked the Kerewan Area Council (KAC), and the Agency for the Development of Women and Children, amongst others, for their timely intervention to ameliorate the situation.

However, the NBR governor appealed to NGOs, donor agencies and philanthropists to pump in more assistance for the Northerners.

He informed the Daily Observer that assistance can be channeled through the Regional Disaster Relief Committee, which maintains an account at the Trust Bank, Farafenni branch. Alternatively, he added that donors can also contact his office to channel relief assistance.