Rainstorm destroys 100 houses in Plateau community, leaves residents displaced

A devastating rainstorm has destroyed about 100 houses in Tom Gangare community, Sopp Ward, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving many families displaced and without shelter.

The incident occurred on Sunday after a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds, which also damaged health facilities, places of worship, and other infrastructure in the community.

Residents said the storm caused widespread destruction, with property worth millions of naira lost. Several trees were also uprooted and fell on residential buildings, further worsening the impact of the disaster.

Mr. Bot Felix, a resident of the community, said many families were thrown into hardship as their homes were completely destroyed by the windstorm.

A community stakeholder, Dung Danboyi, described the incident as tragic, noting that while no lives were lost, the destruction had left many households homeless and vulnerable.

“The level of destruction is overwhelming. Many families have lost their homes and means of livelihood,” he said, calling for urgent intervention from government and humanitarian agencies.

He appealed to the Plateau State Government, the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other stakeholders to provide immediate relief materials to affected residents.

The Councillor representing Sopp Ward, Gwong Ibrahim, also urged authorities to step in quickly, stressing that many victims were struggling to find shelter and basic necessities.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Riyom Local Government Council, Sati Bature Shuwa, visited the community to assess the damage and sympathise with victims, assuring residents that efforts would be made to secure emergency support and relief materials.