Flood Causes Havoc in Nema Kunku, Gov’t Urged to Intervene

Almost 40 houses were flooded on Monday in Nema Kunku, in Kombo North,West Coast Region, after a heavy downpour which lasted for almost three days.

Many of the residents were left homeless and more houses were on the verge of collapsing, residents decried, forcing some to relocate.

“The situation is very sad and the people need help, especially those who lost their belongings,” Pa Lamin Jatta, National Assembly Member for Kombo North, told The Daily News.

Hon. Jatta called on the people to always consider their place of settlement and avoid water ways. Sirajo Jallow, who has a family of about 20, was among the people who have abandoned their homes.

“There is no food left for us to eat and I cannot go to the market to sell and leave my children in this situation,” said his wife, Asy Jallow.

MariamaJeng, another victim who was found in her sitting room, said, “As you can see, all our rice and clothes were soaked with water. My husband has gone to look for a house where we can stay,” she said amid tears.

AjiAlimatou, a resident of Jeshwang who came to show solidarity with her sister, MariamaJeng, described the situation as sympathetic.

Cherno Bubacarr Jallow, who runs aMadarassa school in his compound, was found moving his flooded properties to a waiting truck, as his ‘dara’ and house have been grounded.

“We are really suffering. My family has no place to sleep and no food to eat for the past three days. We have lost almost everything,” he said.

Similar remarks were expressed by Haddy Gaye whose house like that of Cherno Bubacarr Jallow was also grounded by the rain.

Alieu Gaye, a neighbor, who joined hands to help the victims, said he has called the fire service to pump out the water but was told that their machine was not working.

In one voice, the residents have urged the government to help them with good roads, hospital and water canals to avoid flood in the future.

Ablie Cham, Wurry Jallow and Amie Jaw, who all have large families, have similar stories to tell. They both appealed to the government to help them with basic things like food, clothes and clean drinking water.

Momodou Baldeh, Secretary General of Banjulinding Ward Development Committee ,who assessed the affected compounds on behalf of the National Disaster Management Agency West Coast Region branch, said the cause of the flood was due to wrong settlements. “Rice fields have been sold and turned into settlement s which was wrong,” he said.

Author: Binta A. Bah