Heavy rainfall over the weekend has left many residents in the Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State homeless. The downpour, which began on Friday, October 4, 2024, and continued until the early hours of Sunday, October 6, caused widespread flooding, especially in the Sabo Gari community, displacing many families and destroying numerous homes.
Mr. Nandul Solomon, a resident of Angwan Bwarat in the Sabon Gida community, confirmed the severity of the flooding. Speaking from Jos, the state capital, he explained that the rains triggered panic and confusion in the affected areas. “The flood didn’t claim lives, but it was huge. Right now, over 80 households have had their houses destroyed, rendering many others homeless,” Solomon said. He noted that most displaced residents are currently staying with neighbors, friends, or relatives while others are desperately seeking shelter.
The situation is particularly dire in the Sabo Gari community, where the impact has been widespread. Mr. Yintim Nimilam, a local community leader and Secretary of the Sabo Gari Development Association, described the condition of those affected as dire. He called on the state government and other well-meaning individuals to intervene and provide assistance. “We appeal to the government and relevant authorities to come to our rescue. The incident is rather unfortunate. Several people are displaced and staying with relatives, while many others don’t know what to do,” Nimilam stated.
In response to the flooding, the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has acknowledged the situation. The agency’s Executive Secretary, Sunday Abdu, stated that officials have been sent to the area to assess the extent of the damage. “We have received distress calls regarding the flooding in Langtang South. I have detailed my staff to go and assess the situation tomorrow (Monday) to enable us to know the next line of action to take,” Abdu said.
As the displaced residents continue to grapple with the aftermath of the flood, local authorities and the community are hoping for prompt support to provide relief and restore a sense of normalcy. For now, the affected families are left waiting for intervention as they cope with the loss of their homes and the uncertainty of what comes next.