Bimbilla (NR), April 22, GNA - A severe rainstorm, on Tuesday, caused havoc to properties in some communities of the=A0Nanumba North District, destroying public infrastructure and rendering 500 people homeless.

This is the third rainstorm in four weeks to hit the area, with the previous ones destroying private homes and schools. The latest disaster affected public schools and health facilities, which needed immediate attention before schools resumes. Alhaji Mohammed Ibn Abass, Nanumba North DCE, briefing the GNA after touring the affected areas, appealed to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for immediate assistance to settle the displaced persons.

He said the destruction was so endemic that the District alone cannot handle the situation, saying that, 93The district's emergency relief fund is low and there is nothing the district can do now to support the victims".

Alhaji Abass said the government's on-going afforestation programme across the country, should be extended to the rural communities, to minimise the havoc of the rainstorms. He expressed the hope that the afforestation programme, apart from helping to control rainstorm disasters, would also create jobs for the youth in rural areas. He appealed to chiefs and other land owners in the area to collaborate with government by releasing land for the success of the project.

The DCE urged government institutions, NGOs and other philanthropic organizations, to as a matter of urgency, come to the aid of the displaced victims. 22 April 11