Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau said the state government would evacuate communities in flood-prone areas to safer areas.
Jang stated this in Jos on Friday, while inspecting the damage caused by last weekend's flood that washed away eight bridges and rendered more than 10,000 people homeless.
Reports from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) indicates that the flood killed about 40 persons and washed away 40,000 hectares of farm land.
The governor hinted of possible fresh floods, as predicted by weather forecasts, and cautioned people against living on river banks.
He called for assistance from individuals, stakeholders and the Federal Government toward resettling displaced people, and described the flood disaster as the greatest calamity that had ever befallen the people.
Jang promised that government would purchase grains for those affected, and promised even more assistance toward minimising the effect for the victims.
On destroyed farms, he said that the Agricultural Training Centres would conduct some impact assessment of the affected areas and advised farmers on areas they could till in the next farming season.
He appealed to the people to be patient as government was doing everything possible to come to their aid at the time of need.
Jang assured the people that more relief materials would be brought to them.
Sen. Victor Lar, representing Plateau South, whose constituency was hit by the disaster, commended Jang for the show of love and for taking time to assess the situation.
``Even as they await the relief materials, the people are happy at this quick response and are confident that succour will come their way,'' the senator said.
NAN
