Aheavy rainstorm recently wreaked havoc in the Central River Region (CRR), destroying at least 12 houses and displacing 15 families. The affeted families hail from the villages of Pacharr, Bakadagie and Jailan in the CRR Districts of Lower Fulladu West and Nianija respectively.

The news of the disaster was met with swift response by the Regional Disaster Management Committee which embarked on a damage assessment exercise to ascertain the extent of the damage caused by the storm. The team was led by the two districts chiefs of the affected areas.

Narrating his ordeal, one of the victims in Pacharr village, Malang Bayo, recalled that his wife went into the house to remove her clothes when the squall started and a block fell on her head. He said that a mango tree in the compound was also uprooted by the storm. Two other victims who spoke to the Daily Observer -Malang Fatty and Mamadou Barry, lamented that some of them cannot afford to repair their houses at this time of the year, as they are financially handicapped.

The district chiefs of Lower Fulladou and Nianija, Momodou Lamin Baldeh and Alasan David Cham respectively, also lamented the destructive nature of the storm, saying it caused considerable damage to belongings and some foodstuff. Theythen appealed for assistance for the victims.

Speaking to this reporter, a meteorological officer in Janjangbureh, Momodou Sowe, explained that Beaufort Number 9 is a strong gale and can cause damages to building and trees. He noted that gale was accompanied by a rainfall figure of 34.0mm. Sowe explained that in Bakadagie, the village is affected by storm but there are serious erosions in that community as well, warning that if proper planning is not done in the way they settle, it might affect them in the future.

The governor of the region, Ganyie Touray, also appealed for help to relief the victims. Heurged the people to be mindful about the way they settle, and avoid settling on waterways. He stressed the need for strong mechanisms to be put in place in order to prevent the occurrence of future disasters. He also advised the people to plant more trees to serve as wind breaks.