PHOTO: Just one scene of the damage done
By Emmanuel Mafelah, mafelahemmanuel29@gmail.com
GBARNGA, Liberia- A violent storm has caused a “serious” humanitarian situation in a populated town in the central Bong County, leaving over 150 residents homeless, according to local authorities.
The storm, which occurred about 6:45pm on Tuesday, March 10, ravaged homes in Garmue Town, Panta District.
The storm disaster was followed by torrential rainfall and thunder strikes that lasted for several hours, said Moses Flomo, a resident of the area.
At least 52 houses were left damaged with occupants now displaced. Many families affected are sleeping in the open as the locals struggle to deal with its aftermath.
Private services including business houses have also been hindered in the town as many public facilities including the Garmue Public school remain badly impacted.
Our Reporter who toured the area quoted the school authorities as saying, several materials including stationaries got damaged by the water after the storm de-roofed the school building.
Speaking to journalists in Garmue, a parent of three school going kids, Jerry Kerkulah said that since the incident occurred his children including other children are yet to return to school in order to acquire quality education.
Said Mr. Kerkulah: “Since the disaster took place to present, our children are suffering. They’re no longer going to school, this not fair.”
He called on the government particularly the Ministry of Education, and humanitarian organizations to“swiftly intervene to ensure school going kids at the only school facility get the needed quality education.”
At the same time, several other residents, many of them children and the elderly, who are seriously injured are calling for intervention and are appealing to the government and NGOs to come to their aid.
They also appealed to members of the Bong County Legislative Caucus and well-meaning Bongese to assist them with some building materials including zinc, nails, woods and mattresses among others.
Since the incident happened, according to the storm victims, the County authorities are yet to render some assistance to the community, something they said is disappointing.