Floods, windstorms ravage seven Taraba LGAs

The Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA) has reported widespread destruction by floods, windstorms and other disasters in seven local government areas of the state.

The agency’s Executive Secretary, Echuseh Audu, disclosed this on Friday, while updating on emergency interventions in affected communities, including assistance to people displaced by communal violence in neighbouring Adamawa State who are taking refuge in Taraba.

Ms Audu said prolonged heavy rainfall had caused extensive damage in Donga, Gassol, Bali, Ussa, Kurmi, Karim Lamido and Sardauna local government areas, threatening residents’ livelihoods and displacing some households.

According to her, flooding from major rivers in Gassol destroyed buildings and submerged large areas of farmland, while Bali recorded significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.

She said Fikyu Ward in Ussa Local Government Area also suffered damage to residential buildings and substantial agricultural losses.

In Kurmi, windstorms, flooding and fire reportedly caused widespread destruction of houses, while several buildings were damaged in Karim Lamido.

Ms Audu added that Akate and Gyeta Aure wards in Donga recorded significant losses involving homes, farmlands and infrastructure.

She identified Kakara in Sardauna as another severely affected area, where houses and farmlands were submerged, forcing residents to flee their homes.

The TSEMA executive secretary urged residents of flood-prone, low-lying and riverside communities to move to safer, higher ground or designated temporary camps to reduce the risk of casualties and further property losses.

She acknowledged the support of the Taraba State Government, led by Governor Agbu Kefas, in providing humanitarian assistance to disaster victims and pledged the agency’s continued response to affected communities.

In a related development, TSEMA distributed food and non-food items to internally displaced persons from Kwa and Pirre communities in Adamawa State who fled communal violence and are now taking refuge in Bwei Baba, Makko and Donadda communities in Donadda Ward of Lau Local Government Area, Taraba State.

The displaced persons reportedly fled a prolonged communal conflict involving the Kpasham and Kwa communities in Adamawa, which has resulted in deaths, destruction of property and severe hardship.

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The relief materials distributed by the agency included rice, maize, garri, spaghetti, sugar, salt, vegetable oil, tomato paste, mats and wrappers to meet the immediate needs of affected households.

Speaking on behalf of Ms Audu during the distribution exercise, Chindo Elisha urged the displaced persons to remain law-abiding and maintain peaceful relations with their host communities.

He assured them of the state government’s commitment to their safety and welfare, while commending Governor Kefas for providing humanitarian assistance to those seeking refuge in Taraba.

Thankgod Haji, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the governor for the assistance and provision of shelter.

Another beneficiary, Sarah Alpha, commended TSEMA and the state government for providing food and other essential items.

The interventions highlight the humanitarian challenges facing communities affected by natural disasters and communal violence in parts of Taraba and neighbouring Adamawa State.