Following media reports on the Upper River Region heavy downpour which resulted to fatalities and destruction of properties, the Inter-Agency Emergency Coordination Group of NDMA called an emergency meeting on 19 of July, 2010 to respond quickly to the disaster victims in this region.

Speaking to this reporter, the Executive Director of National Disaster Management Agency, Mr. Essa Khan stated that the emergency meeting was in accordance with the principles of the agency.

He said after this meeting they decided to dispatch a camera crew and a reporter to film the scene and get first hand information. He said sixty thousand dalasis (D60,000) worth of food items and clothing for immediate assistance has been released. He said the regional office through the Governor's office also provided assistance in the form of clothing and sanitary items.

He further stated that they are expecting assistance from the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and other partners. The Executive Director further stated that the Gambia Government gave D215,000 (two hundred and fifteen thousand dalasis) from the emergency fund.

The scout movement and the Grate Commission Movement (A registered Gambian NGO) donated food items and other things for rapid response. He stated that WFP also donated computer equipment. He stated that these things will be presented. He was quick to mention that they will be taking stock of all their regional stores.

According to the NDMA they have taken these bullet actions to address the disaster cases; to address immediate the needs of the affected people; to finalize detailed assessment within 48 hours and to fully engage the Armed and security personnel and humanitarian agencies in the rescue and movement of victims.

Mr. Essa Khan has stated that the issues discussed are heavy rainfall in Upper River Region and what caused over flooding of a bridge at Sare Alpha; 20 passengers on board were affected and out of that 7 died; floods at Sutukoba destroyed live stock and livelihoods, in particular, 3 compounds, 6 houses and 1 donkey washed away; 10 compounds affected in Foday-Kunda; an estimated 120 people affected in these communities affecting 13 compounds; an emergency meeting in Basse conducted and detailed assessment will be submitted within 48 hours; office of the Vice President was briefed on the incident and the need to mobilize additional heavy equipment for use by security and emergency services.

On the initial findings the Executive Director of NDMA has pointed out that the initial rapid assessment by the Upper River Region Disaster Management Committee revealed that the bridge was over flooded and partially damaged claiming seven (7) lives. Seventeen people have so far been rescued and some are in critical condition and are been treated at the Basse District Hospital.

The meeting was witnessed by representatives of KMC, Fire and Rescue Services, Gambia Navy National Disaster and Management Agency, World Food Programme and Concern Universal.