By Saikou Suwareh Jabai
A heavy downpour at Brikama Missira in the Kombo Central District of the West Coast Region, last Wednesday, caused havoc to 
many families and rendered them displaced.
Local residents have told this reporter that the heavy rain which lasted for an hour had indeed caused panic among the inhabitants.
Yankuba Daffeh, Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the Brikama Missira Village Development Committee (VDC), who also doubles as the Area Disaster Response Officer, said the downpour was enormous and flooded many households as the water had nowhere to pass through.
“Many houses at Missira were destroyed by the flood waters and the victims have nowhere to relocate to,” he said.
He said the regional disaster coordinator, Binta Sey Jadama, has been informed about the incident and who advised them to note down everything and not to go near the houses that are undermined by the flood water.
One of the victims, Sheriff Sowe, revealed that they have lost almost everything that was in their house as they have been washed away by the rain water.
Yusupha Camara, another flood victim, said his entire house was brought down by the heavy rains and that all their household belongings got destroyed. He appealed to the authorities to come to their aid and to also help them avoid such disasters which they are prone to in future.
‘’We are appealing to the authorities to come up with a lasting solution because most of the victims are poor and could not afford to loss their properties due to the simple reason that the water has no place to go,’’ said Malang Camara.
The Alkalo of Brikama Missira, Seedy Nyassi, who accommodated the Colley Kunda family at his home, said the condition of the victims is worrying as the flood has made them lose all their belongings.
He lauded the VDC authorities and other residents for their timely intervention and the show of solidarity to the affected families.
Binta Sey Jadama, the Regional Disaster Coordinator, during a visit to the affected sites, informed the victims that the report on the disaster will be sent to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) head office.
The National Assembly Member of Kombo Central Constituency, Hon. Buba Ayi Sanneh, was also among the other officials that visited the village.
‘’I am deeply saddened to see the collapsed houses which were caused by the recent flooding as there is no water way to allow easy passage,” he said.]]>
