No fewer than 50 houses, several schools, and a worship centre were destroyed following a torrential rainfall in Menkaat community, Shimankar district, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to residents, the storm caused extensive damage, leaving many people counting their losses. They also said that electric poles and trees toppled onto buildings, worsening the destruction.
Findings by our correspondent revealed that the destructive rainstorm began in the early hours of Sunday, accompanied by strong winds.
While the rooftops of many homes were torn off, some buildings were completely brought down.
Mazawaje Daniel Danjuma, the councillor representing Shimankar stated that several farmlands, particularly those with rice, were severely affected by floodwaters and silt.
He said, “The rainfall has caused damage in the community. Many residential buildings, including their kitchens, have collapsed. The intensity of the rainfall had also destroyed farms. People have really lost a lot.”
Mr Lawrence Longwalk, another resident of the community, expressed deep concern over the extent of the destruction, calling for urgent intervention from the appropriate authorities.
“The level of devastation is alarming. The people urgently need assistance. Two primary schools and a worship centre in Shimankar were completely brought down by the rainstorm,” he said.
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