Two lives were lost and dozens of houses destroyed after a windstorm wreaked havoc across The Gambia last night.

A teenager is known to have died after a fence fell on him and another man in Niumi also died after his house collapsed on him.

Dozens of houses were destroyed leaving hundreds of people homeless and many others without power and water.

Government officials are conducting a rapid assessment of the damages caused by the windstorm.

A statement from State House said President Barrow has been informed of the disaster that caused loss of lives and properties to many families and individuals. 

“President Barrow extends his deepest condolences and sympathy to the families that lost their loved ones and empathise with victims, and all those affected throughout the country,” the statement said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba