From Sebastian R. Freiku, Kumasi
ABOUT 81 homes were destroyed at Asokore Ahinsan and several others in five communities in the Sekyere East district of the Ashanti, following a violent rainstorm recently.
The heavy downpour which followed and lasted for over six hours caused extensive damage to buildings and shops at the Ahinsan market area and other communities affected. Electrical poles and wires, as well as roofing sheets were scattered after the storm.
The disaster comes at the heel of destruction of about 70 acres of cocoa farm land, belonging to 12 cocoa farmers by bush fire two months ago.
Five other communities, including Odurokrom, Obapaaninkrom, Attakrom, Okaikrom Senkye and Putuom have also been affected by rainstorm.
About 5,000 people in all have been displaced, following consistent rainstorm in the area in recent times, affecting more than 400 homes, while activities including academic work in many schools have been suspended.
As a result, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has intensified efforts to assist the affected victims in the six communities.
The Sekyere East District Co-ordinator of NADMO, Mr. Collins Boakye Yiadom, said efforts are being made to receive more assistance from the national headquarters.
According to him, almost all the schools in the affected communities have been ripped off and many people rendered homeless.
Mr. Boakye Yiadom appealed to the Sekyere East District Assembly to help accommodate those who have been displaced while his outfit worked to solve the problem. Most of the victims are currently putting up with their relatives and friends, in anticipation of support from the government.
