Heavy rains hits Central Togo
Posted by African Press International on August 1, 2008
By EKOUE BLAME , Lome
Heavy torrential downpour in the last 72 hours has cut off the northern part of Togo from the south of the country leaving in its trail , a state of incalculable devastation, broken down bridges and collapsed buildings in the Haho and Zio districts of the Plateau Region.
The Togolese Minister for Security and Civilian Protection Colonel Mohammed Atcha Titikpina confirmed to-day on radio and T.V that heavy down pour of rains within the last few days have so far led to the collapse of seven major bridges and vital rail lines which connect road networks from the south of Togo to the northern part of the country.
Colonel Titikpina said several farming communities in Zio and Haho in Central Togo have been submerged in water by floods due to rivers overflowing their banks.
Media reports by some Togolese newspapers claim that three persons have so far lost their lives in the floods at Atakpame in the Plateau Region.
The Togolese P.M Komlan Mally has been holding emergency meetings with International organisations about the latest flood disaster and has launched an appeal for urgent humanitarian relief assistance from the International Community.
The precarious situation has compelled the Togo government to create temporary diversions from Togo’s International Highway that links Lome to the north and neighbouring Burkina Faso through a by-pass in Kpalime and Atakpame in Plateau Region.
Togo national Television has also been showing alarming footage of displaced and distressed villagers being ferried across from their inundated homes into safety by soldiers on rescue missions.
Observers here have expressed fears that since the North of Togo is reputed to be the bread basket of the country, the disconnection of the country into two parts by the torrential rains may lead to temporary food shortages in the south of Togo.
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API
