Shendam bridge, the fly-over bridge connecting the southern part of Plateau state to some neigbouring state has collapsed. The bridge which links Plateau with Nasarawa and Taraba States collapsed on Tuesday after torrential rainfall that lasted throughout Monday night. The collapsed bridge is reported to have left people stranded on either side of the bridge.
Among those who were stranded in Shendam town were officials of the Nigerian Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), who had visited the town on Monday to distribute relief materials to victims of early floods in Wase, Langtang and Shendam.
Persistent flood around Shendam and Langtang from the heavy downpour have destroyed property and claimed a number of lives.
NEMA Relief and Rehabilitation Officer for the North-Central, Mr Eugene Nyelong, who was among the stranded officials, said that the agency’s officials were already on ground to ascertain the level of damage.
“We have to ensure that no casualty is recorded; we are also looking into the possibility of erecting a temporary alternative passage to restore some form of communication. It is indeed a very bad situation; very devastating, but we shall see what we can do as quickly as possible,’’ he said.
NEMA spokesman for North-Central, Audu Yohanna, described the development as “very unfortunate’’, but expressed relief that no casualty was recorded.
“Nobody was killed, but cars cannot cross to the other side as I speak with you. The residents are just confused.”
“What we intend to do is to try to find a way to Langtang through Tunkus and Mikang, while others will move through Lafia in Nasarawa State ’’ he added.
Plateau stated has continued to suffer massive flood incidents with worst incidents recorded in Gangare, Tudun-Osi, Tudun Talakawa and Angwan Rogo settlements in Jos north where scores got drowned.
Source(Channels Tv)
