Rainstorm Destroys 321 Houses In Cross River

No fewer than 5,000 people have been left homeless after a windstorm destroyed over 321 houses in North and South Ukelle, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.

According to an eye witness, the downpour, said to be the first of the year, lasted for over four hours and was accompanied by severe thunderstorm.

It was said to have affected about four villages – Ipolo, Mfuma, Wanudu, Ntrigom – across the local governments.

The Community Relations Officer for the area, Mr. Vincent Egbe, who confirmed the incident, said that many families are now sleeping in the open, while some are taking refuge with neighbors and relatives whose houses were not affected.

“The damage is widespread and affected many villages,” he told Vanguard.

“It is one of the most devastating storms in our area in recent times, as about 93 three houses were compressed, while 228 others were partially damaged.”

Mr. John Inaku, Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, said he has dispatched a team to the area to assess the level of damage and find short term solutions for the affected people until relief materials are sent across.

He said: “We are being overwhelmed as a state by frequent natural and man-made disasters.

“Temporary shelters will be provided to the people, particularly children and the elderly, to avoid any casualty owing to exposure to the elements.”