Rainstorm destroys 100 houses, displaces families in Plateau community

A severe rainstorm has destroyed roughly 100 houses in Tom Gangare community, Sopp Ward, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, displacing numerous families and leaving many without shelter.

The damage occurred on Sunday after a heavy downpour combined with strong winds. The storm also harmed health facilities, places of worship and other critical infrastructure in the area.

Resident Mr. Bot Felix reported that properties worth millions of naira were lost, and many residents had to abandon their homes.

He added that the windstorm uprooted several trees, some of which fell on residential buildings, increasing the scale of the destruction.

Community stakeholder Dung Danboyi called the event tragic and urged the government and humanitarian organisations to intervene urgently.

Danboyi said he was relieved that no lives were lost, but he noted that the devastation has left many households without shelter and exposed victims to severe hardship.

“The level of destruction is overwhelming. Many families have lost their homes and means of livelihood. We are appealing to government agencies, humanitarian organisations and well‑meaning individuals to come to the aid of our people during this difficult time,” he said.

He called on the Plateau State Government, the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, development partners and other stakeholders to provide immediate relief materials and support to affected residents.

Councillor Gwong Ibrahim, who represents Sopp Ward, also appealed to relevant authorities to act swiftly and mitigate the disaster’s impact on victims.

He emphasized the need for emergency relief, noting that many affected families were struggling to secure temporary shelter and basic necessities.

Meanwhile, Riyom Local Government Council Chairman Sati Bature Shuwa visited the community to assess the damage and express sympathy for the victims.

Shuwa assured residents that efforts would be made to facilitate assistance and support for those affected by the disaster.

He added that a comprehensive assessment would be carried out to determine the extent of the losses and pave the way for appropriate intervention by government and emergency management agencies.