NDMA Conducts Rapid Assessment After Fire Destroys 17 Houses in Moyamba District

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has conducted a rapid assessment in Suen and Batbai villages, Ribbi Chiefdom, Moyamba District, following a fire incident that occurred on 17th January 2026, which destroyed two (2) houses in Batbai village and fifteen (15) houses in Suen village, respectively.

The assessment was undertaken after NDMA received an alert on January 19 2026, from the Honourable Member of Parliament for Moyamba District, Umu Pyne. In response, the Agency dispatched its Assessment Team from the Relief and Response Directorate to the affected villages to verify the incident and assess the extent of damage.

Findings from the assessment established that the fire was deliberately caused through an arson attack, allegedly arising from a land ownership dispute between residents of Suen and Batbai villages. The disputed land is reportedly earmarked for acquisition by Orange Telecommunication Company for the construction of a telecommunications mast aimed at improving network coverage in the area. The disagreement is said to have escalated into tensions between the two villages that led to the incident.