Jalingo Submerged: Heavy Rainfall Floods Homes, Businesses in Taraba

Multiple residential buildings, commercial shops, and educational institutions were inundated following extended periods of intense rainfall in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Saturday morning.

Although the downpour provided some respite from the preceding heatwave, it unfortunately resulted in significant destruction across various parts of the city.

The rainfall commenced around 2:30 a.m. and persisted until approximately 11:30 a.m., exacerbating the flooding conditions in areas situated at lower elevations. Communities such as Mile Six, Mafindi, and Mayogwai experienced the most severe impacts.

Jalingo Main Market also suffered from the floodwaters, with numerous stalls submerged.

Bulus James, a resident of Mile Six, reported that his home was among those affected, leading to the loss of several household items and vital documents. He attributed the flooding to the blockage of water channels and drainage systems, a consequence of improper waste disposal practices.

According to James, residents made arduous efforts to rescue their belongings amidst the rising waters, but many were unsuccessful due to the severity of the inundation.

Movement along the Jalingo–Wukari road was also hampered as floodwaters swept away a temporary bridge that had been erected near the site of the collapsed Namnai Bridge.

This marks the second occasion within a three-week period that the temporary crossing has been damaged by floodwaters.

Reports indicate that thousands of travellers and vehicles were left stranded on both sides of the River Namnai as a direct result of the bridge's destruction.

Mallam Tanko Saidu, a resident of Namnai town, confirmed in a phone conversation with Daily Trust that a large number of travellers remain stranded. He noted that arrangements were underway to procure motorboats from neighbouring riverine communities to facilitate the transportation of passengers and vehicles across the flooded river.

“We are currently attempting to secure motorboats from Mayoreniyo and other settlements along the River Benue to commence ferrying vehicles across,” he stated.