A devastating rainstorm wreaked havoc in Damongo, the capital of the Savannah Region, on Wednesday night, resulting in the tragic death of a seven-year-old girl and causing significant damage to homes, shops, and other properties.
The young victim, identified as Karim Salifu, was running home with her elder brother when a roofing sheet from one of the affected buildings fell and struck her neck, leading to fatal injuries.
The incident has plunged the community into mourning, with family members expressing deep regret over the circumstances that led to her untimely death.
Karim Salifu, a relative of the deceased, expressed sorrow over the decision to allow the children outside during the storm, stating, “It’s very painful and irresponsible on our part to have allowed little children outside at that time because I believe that if she had been home, what befell her would have been avoided.”
In addition to the tragic loss of life, the storm also caused extensive damage to the Damongo branch of the Volta River Authority (VRA), with the building’s roof severely affected and all computers soaked in water. Nearby businesses, including a pharmacy and several shops, also suffered from the disaster.
Officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) are currently assessing the extent of the destruction caused by the storm and have yet to provide a comprehensive account of the damage.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events and emphasizes the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response measures. As the people of Damongo grapple with the loss and destruction, calls for stronger infrastructure and safety protocols have grown louder.
It is a stark reminder of the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure and effective disaster management strategies to mitigate the impact of such calamities in the future. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Karim Salifu and all those affected by this tragic event.
