A heavy rainstorm has destroyed more than 20 houses and several farmlands in Nghassi community, Mandar Ward of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving many residents displaced.
The rainstorm, which struck at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday, was accompanied by strong winds that ripped off rooftops, uprooted trees, damaged buildings and destroyed property worth millions of naira.
A resident of the community, Bulus Ritji, who confirmed the incident on Wednesday, said the destruction was extensive, although no lives were lost.
“The destruction is enormous. More than 20 houses were affected, and many families have been displaced,” he said.
Ritji added that many victims lost their homes, food items, clothing and other valuables during the storm.
“Although no lives were lost, many victims lost their homes, food items, clothing and other valuables, leaving them in distress. The people are now homeless and urgently need support from the government, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning individuals,” he said.
He also disclosed that farmlands and other means of livelihood were destroyed, forcing several affected families to seek temporary shelter with neighbours and relatives.
The Youth Leader of Bokkos Local Government Area, Christopher Luka, also confirmed the incident, describing the devastation as unfortunate and calling for urgent intervention.
“I appeal to the Plateau State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA), humanitarian organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians to urgently provide relief materials, temporary shelter and other assistance to the victims,” Luka said.
He stressed that prompt intervention would help alleviate the hardship faced by the displaced families.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA), Sunday Abdu, said the agency had yet to receive an official report of the incident.
“The incident has not been reported to our office. But we will find out about it,” he said.
The latest incident comes about a year after a windstorm destroyed more than 70 houses and barns in Mabudi, Sabon Gida and other communities in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
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