torrential rains displace 700 in Sandema(Friday, September 21, 2012 Back Page)

Story: Benjamin Xornam Glover, Bolgatanga Heavy rains in the Sandema in the Builsa North District of the Upper East Region have displaced over 700 people. This was due to torrential rains experienced in the area on Wednesday evening. The flood affected 300 houses which were either submerged in water or had parts of their roofs and walls destroyed. In an interview with the District Chief Executive for the area, Mr. Norbert Awulley said a number of culverts connecting roads such as Sandema-Navrongo, Sandema, Fumbisi and Sandema-Seniensi have all been washed off. Affected persons are currently seeking shelter with relatives while officials of the National Disaster Management Organization are rallying to see how best to assist the victims. According to him, this resulted in a spillage of water from the main drains and diverted into individual homes causing damage to personal effects such as television, furniture, mattress, and computers amongst others. He however said as at Thursday morning the flood waters had receded with some residents sifting through what remains of their properties to see what can be salvaged. Mr. Awulley said in addition to destruction to homes and properties, some poultry products and livestock were also lost in the floods. The District Chief Executive who is also the Chairman of the District NADMO said the extent of destruction was massive adding that NADMO has already exhausted its stock of relief items as a result of an earlier disaster which stroke the area. He said officials are carrying out an extensive assessment to see what form of assistant can be given to the affected persons. The DCE said generally Sandema is a low lying area and very susceptible to floods with any heavy rains. He appealed to central government,other non-governmental organizations to come to the aid of the people in the area. -End-