At least twelve thousand hundred and thirty-four (12,134) Gambians have been affected by this year’s floods and windstorms, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has confirmed in its latest disaster updates.
The revelation was disclosed by Serign Modou Joof, Deputy Executive Director of the Disaster Agency, during his presentation at the UN House in Bakau, where stakeholders converged to map out strategies for disaster preparedness and response plans for 2023.
According to him, seven hundred and eighty-seven (787) households have been affected by this year’s floods and windstorms across the country, adding that nine hundred and sixty-two (962) pregnant and lactating women have been affected, including three thousand hundred and seventy-four (3 174) infants have also been affected so far.
He continues to disclose that the Upper River Region (URR) has been the worst affected region, with a staggering four thousand five hundred and fifty-five (4555) people have been affected, followed by the West Coast Region (WCR) with a record two thousand six hundred and forty-four (2644) people.
He added that Central River Region (CRR) South recorded 2361, while Kanifing Municipal Council (KM), Lower River Region (LRR), Central River Region (CRR) North, and North Bank Region (NBR) respectively recorded 1019, 804, 587 and 160 affected persons.
The Deputy Executive Director of NDMA further disclosed that 51 percent of those affected are male, while 49 percent of those affected are females, adding that three thousand eight hundred and fifteen (3815) people have also been displaced.
Meanwhile, Sanna Dahaba, Executive Director NDMA, said the convergence is part of NDMA efforts to reduce disaster risk in the country, noting that collaborative efforts and partnerships with stakeholders will go a long way in addressing the challenges posed by such disasters.
The NDMA Executive Director continues to disclose that the primary objective of the day’s convergence is to develop a comprehensive response plan that integrates best practices learned from the 2022 floods, adding that the aim is to forge a united path that will enhance timely coordination, optimize emergency response measures and promote community engagement in preparedness, response and recovery efforts in The Gambia.
Dahaba further expressed appreciation to UNICEF, the Government of The Gambia, and other partners for their relentless efforts rendered to the NDMA in the fight against all forms of disaster in the country while calling on participants to fully contribute meaningfully towards the training in a bit to formulate a comprehensive plan for disaster risk reduction for 2023.
