Dozens of families in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region are facing an uncertain future after a powerful rainstorm destroyed more than 40 homes, killing a 12-year-old girl, injuring several others and leaving many residents without shelter.
The overnight storm, which struck around 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22 swept through the communities of Meindogu and Kalbila with strong winds that ripped off roofs, collapsed buildings and destroyed household belongings, food stocks and farm produce.
Among those who lost everything was the family of 12-year-old Asana, who was killed when the room she was sleeping in collapsed on her.
She was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Two other residents sustained injuries, with one still receiving treatment.
As daylight broke, residents were seen picking through piles of rubble, salvaging mattresses, cooking utensils and other belongings from the wreckage of what were once their homes.
Acting Yendi Municipal Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Alhassan Abu Safian, described the destruction as extensive.
“We have not completed our assessment, but so far more than 30 houses have been affected. Some have completely collapsed with not even a single room left standing. Those families are now homeless,” he said.
According to him, at least seven houses were completely destroyed, while the number of affected homes is expected to increase once the assessment is completed.
For Asana’s mother, Awabu Abukari, the destruction is overshadowed by the pain of losing her daughter.
“The rains started in the night. I was inside with the children. Suddenly, the roof caved in and the room collapsed. The wall fell on my little girl, Asana, and she died. We’ve not eaten the whole day because we are grieving. We have no place to stay. We are appealing for support.”
Despite the scale of the disaster, NADMO says it currently has no relief items available for immediate distribution.
“At the moment, we don’t have anything in the office to give the victims. We have informed our regional and national offices and are hopeful assistance will come as soon as possible,” Mr Abu Safian said.
Until then, the agency is encouraging families whose homes were not affected to provide temporary shelter for displaced neighbours, particularly children and the elderly.
The Municipality is also monitoring reports of flooding in another community following subsequent heavy rains, raising fears that the impact of the recent weather could spread beyond the already devastated communities.
For many survivors, the immediate concern is not only rebuilding their homes but also finding a safe place to sleep as they wait for relief.
