The National Disaster Relief Commissionhas sent out an SOS call for immediate assistance to hundreds of residents of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, who were affected as a result of an unprecedented devastating storm, last Saturday.

According to County authorities the heavy rainstorm damaged over 300 houses including a church and general market, on Saturday, May 25, 2013 leaving at least three thousand persons homeless.

Lightning also blew out a350-watt Transmitter belonging to Radio Gbehzohn, a community radio station, thus paralyzing broadcast of the station.

Eight persons, mainly children were injured by debris and are now taking treatment at the Liberian Government Hospital in Buchanan.A serious case involving loss of a child’s leg was referred to the J.F.K. Medical Hospital in Monrovia.

The Chairman of the National Disaster Relief Commission (NDRC), Internal Affairs Minister, Hon. Morris Dukuly,said the situation could result to a humanitarian crisis if nothing is done to swiftly come to the aid of the victims.

Minister Dukuly appealed forurgent intervention of good-will institutions and individuals, including the management of ArcelorMittal and other concessions.

He said relief items, such as Mattresses, mats, blankets, cooking utensils, food, and building materials, including cement, zinc and nails are urgently needed to accommodate the victims.

A team from the NDRC headed by the Minister visited Buchanan on Monday, for first-hand information and assessment of the situation and to provide initial emergency relief items.

Items presented include: bales of blankets and assorted used clothing; dozens of buckets, cartons of bath soap, bags of slippers, and cash as well.

Affected residents told the Internal Affairs Minister, of the urgent need for assistance as they were sleeping in the open.

“This is a serious situation here; we are appealing to our friends, goodwill persons and organizations to join us and bring relief to our people”. Min. Dukuly noted.

Meanwhile, a Grand Bassa County Disaster Fund Account has been opened at a local bank for donor deposits. Account numbers are: Liberian dollars--011LD21990617504 and United Sates Dollars--11USD21990617503.