The Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA) has reported widespread destruction caused by floods, windstorms, and other disasters in seven local government areas of Taraba State. According to TSEMA's Executive Secretary, Echuseh Audu, prolonged heavy rainfall has caused extensive damage in Donga, Gassol, Bali, Ussa, Kurmi, Karim Lamido, and Sardauna local government areas. The disasters have threatened residents' livelihoods and displaced some households.
The flooding from major rivers in Gassol has destroyed buildings and submerged large areas of farmland, while Bali recorded significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. Fikyu Ward in Ussa Local Government Area also suffered damage to residential buildings and substantial agricultural losses. The severity of the situation has prompted TSEMA to urge residents of flood-prone, low-lying, and riverside communities to move to safer, higher ground or designated temporary camps.
In Kurmi, windstorms, flooding, and fire reportedly caused widespread destruction of houses, while several buildings were damaged in Karim Lamido. Akate and Gyeta Aure wards in Donga recorded significant losses involving homes, farmlands, and infrastructure. Kakara in Sardauna is another severely affected area, where houses and farmlands were submerged, forcing residents to flee their homes.
The Taraba State Government, led by Governor Agbu Kefas, has been providing humanitarian assistance to disaster victims. TSEMA has pledged its continued response to affected communities. In addition to providing assistance to Taraba residents, TSEMA has also distributed relief materials to internally displaced persons from Adamawa State who are taking refuge in Taraba.
The displaced persons from Kwa and Pirre communities in Adamawa State 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 relief materials distributed by TSEMA included rice, maize, garri, spaghetti, sugar, salt, vegetable oil, tomato paste, mats, and wrappers to meet the immediate needs of affected households.
During the distribution exercise, Chindo Elisha, speaking on behalf of Ms. Audu, 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.
The beneficiaries of the relief materials have expressed gratitude to the governor and TSEMA for providing assistance. Thankgod Haji and Sarah Alpha, on behalf of the beneficiaries, commended the efforts of the state government and TSEMA in providing food and other essential items to those affected by the disasters and communal violence.
Key points
- Seven local government areas in Taraba State have been affected by floods and windstorms.
- The Taraba State Government has been providing humanitarian assistance to disaster victims.
- TSEMA has distributed relief materials to internally displaced persons from Adamawa State taking refuge in Taraba.
