Residents whose homes sustained damage as a result of the freak storm in Linden three weeks ago were able to rebuild after receiving assistance from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).
Region Ten Chairman Renis Morian yesterday told Sunday Stabroek that through the RDC and the CDC affected families were able to receive materials, such as zinc sheets, needed to reconstruct their roofs.
He explained that beverage giant Banks DIH and other private entities stepped in and provided food hampers to affected families.
Close to 40 families were in need of assistance to reconstruct the roofs to their homes. According to Morian, many residents formed themselves in groups and offered assistance to the affected families as they were working to rebuild. During the reconstruction of roofs, Morian said, they advised families to use roof screws instead of nails since they would ensure that roofs are more secure.
Additionally, he disclosed that small livestock farmers who suffered damage also received assistance.
“The farmers who lost zincs from the roofs of their pens also received assistance. The zincs that were replaced from public buildings in the region were given to the farmers so they could have rebuilt the roofs for their livestock pens,” Morian stated.
On August 23rd, powerful winds tore through several Linden communities, ripping of roofs of homes and public buildings.
The storm, which came as a surprised to residents, left many in shock and was described as “hurricane like” by several residents.
Residents recounted that they experienced heavy winds, which was followed by rain, lightning and thunder. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported but damage to homes was extensive.
“The damage done is severe and I figure that [the cost] will be in the vicinity of millions [of dollars]. We are seeking assistance to help some 100 families who would have been severely affected by the storm. Therefore, as the Regional Chairman, I am humbly appealing to the general public to come forward and lend whatever assistance that they can give to assist those severely affected at this time,” Morian said in a statement issued by the RDC following the storm.
