FAMILIES of homes damaged by bad weather last week are receiving the government’s assistance.

On Sunday, the Ministry of the People, Social Development, and Family Services stated that, through its National Social Development Programme (NSDP), residents of the Penal/Debe area were being assisted.

Strong winds caused varying degrees of damage to several homes on Friday, including roof damage, dislodged galvanised sheets, and destruction of household items and fixtures.

NSDP officers conducted preliminary assessments and reached out directly to affected families to evaluate the extent of the damage, the ministry stated via media release.

After preliminary assessments, the NSDP officers recommended the following, as necessary:

·       Household Items Grant (disaster);

·       Minor House Repairs Assistance Grant (disaster); and

·       Follow up with clients at the Siparia Social Services Centre

In two instances, where the ministry offered assistance, homeowners indicated that repair works were already undertaken.