Flood kills 2, washes away farm lands, crops in Plateau

Two persons on Wednesday died while one was missing following floods caused by a heavy downpour in three communities in Gindiri Chiefdom of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau.

The paramount ruler of Pyem Chiefdom, Mr Charles Mato, said this during a visit to the scene by the Council Chairman, Mr Bise Titus.

Titus, however, described the incident as ‘‘very devastating and unfortunate’’.

He was told that the flood also destroyed several houses, farmlands and crops worth millions of naira in Gindiri, Langai and Gimti communities.

“This flood that brought about these loses is devastating, painful and unfortunate; but we must take solace in God who knows the best.

‘‘With the loss of precious lives of our citizens, the authority will take the report to the state government to help us construct the Gindiri-Langai road to checkmate the incessant flooding in the area, ’’ Bise said.

Bise said the flood was caused by the blockage of the drains by the culverts constructed on rivers Langai, Gimti and Gindiri.

He pledged to liaise with the state government to ensure that road and bridges were constructed to avoid a re-ccurence.

While sympathising with the victims of the flood, Bise pledged the council’s readiness to assist them.

He called on people of the communities to be vigilant, to avoid further casualty as the rainfall pattern was still heavy.

Mato, however, thanked the chairman for the concern and visit and expressed the hope that the state and local government would assist the victims.