By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Regional Disaster Management Coordinating Office in Kerewan has highlighted the needs for citizens of the North Bank Region(NBR) in the diaspora and home to support and complement government efforts in the mobilization of food and non-food items for disaster victims, especially of the region.
The recently organised gathering of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) used to discuss new disaster policy aimed at strengthening response strategy in mitigating the effects of disasters.
The engagement under the office of the Vice President aimed to develop comprehensive policies and guidelines for building capacity and partnership in disaster recovery and resilient building.
The move demonstrated government commitment and drive in the mobilization of resources to strengthen the response strategy.
In a brief interview with Lamin Saidy, Disaster Coordinator at the NDMA office in Kerewan said since begin of this rainy season to date, a total of 63 households were affected and some families were displaced due to windstorms and flash floods.
Commenting on data collection, he said his office has a cordial relationship with the Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) in promoting joint data collection and verification with volunteers and staff of the National Disaster Management Agency.
He used the medium to launch an appeal for more support from developmental partners and humanitarian organisationsincluding philanthropists to come forward to assist in prepositioning to enhance effective humanitarian response.
On the recent Disaster Risk Management policy review from 2023 to 2032, he described it as very important, noting that it would empower the agency to implement integrated and inclusive mitigation measures that reduce the negative impact of disasters on lives and livelihood.
However, the objective of the policy is to help the country to have in place adequate, efficient, and effective mechanisms to prevent new and reduce existing disasters risk and hazard exposure and Vulnerability.