Gambia hit by heavy flooding

Lamin Sm Jawo in AllAfrica.com, via the Daily Observer (Banjul): Over forty compounds in five villages in Upper Saloum district, CRR North were seriously affected by heavy down pour on Monday night August 10th.

The heavy flooding left over three hundred people displaced, most of whom, are women and children. The displaced people are currently accommodated in a mosque at Bantanto Kerr Isap which is the most affected village.

The villages affected include: Bantanto Kerr Isap, Bantanto Kerr Lime, Bantanto Kerr Alhagie Demba, Njau, Batio Nderr and Jahanka. The heavy down pour did not only destroy houses but claimed lives of small ruminants and chickens. The regional disaster management committee, on Tuesday August 11, embarked on an emergency assessment exercise of the area. The team, led by Chief Malick Mbye of Upper Saloum and ward councillor Channeh Ceesay went on a conducted tour of the affected areas.

The regional disaster management focal person Pa Musa Kijera, expressed sympathy to the affected families. He further appealed for urgent assistance for emergency shelter, food and clothing for the victims. For his part, Alhagie Ganyie Touray, Governor of Central River Region, said the disaster occured in the early hours of Monday morning. According to him, the heavy flood destroyed many compounds in over 15 villages in the Upper Saloum District. He described the disaster as a very serious one, adding that it affected many families and left them stranded….