Accra, Feb. 26, GNA - The National Disaster Management Organisation

(NADMO) on Thursday urged the public to repair their buildings and structures and protect their property against wind and rainstorms during the approaching rainy season.

A press release signed by Mr Kofi Portuphy, National Coordinator of NADMO, said the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions had already recorded a number of rainstorms resulting in the destruction of properties. The release said windstorms and rainstorms were natural occurrences and the extent of their effect on populations and the environment depended on the levels of preparedness of communities towards them. It added that, schools and hospital officials were advised to take steps to protect life and property from storms while the general public was reminded to listen and adhere to weather warnings by the Meteorological Services Department and all other specialist agencies. "It is therefore hoped that Disaster Management Committees at the regional, metropolitan and district levels will strengthen efforts in order to deal effectively with these occurrences." NADMO urged the public to plant trees as windbreaks to protect houses, schools, hospitals, palaces, churches and mosques against storms.