One person has been reported killed while over 20 houses have been destroyed in a community in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River state during the first rain that fell in the area.
One of those affected, Ochim Ogar in Wanokom village said his wife was a victim of the disaster when their home fell on her leading to her death.
“My wife and the children ran inside our house when the rain started but at one point the wind became very strong and the walls of our house fell and she died on the spot while my children managed to escape” he also explained.
Continuing, Ogar said “My condition is critical, I have never seen this kind of thing before. Now my wife and house are gone, the government should please intervene”.
Eye witness reports said the downpour which was driven by fierce wind and thunder storm occurred on Monday and uprooted trees, cut electricity cables and pulled down houses in the area.
It was further reported that over 20 houses were brought down by the storm in the villages of Ezekwe, Okpodon and Wanokom.
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The Chairman of Yala LGA, Dr Fred Okem, who confirmed the incident, described the disaster as traumatizing.
He said that “Since the incident happened two days ago, those whose homes were destroyed are sleeping in the open with their children.”
Dr Okem appealed for help from the federal, state governments and Non Governmental Organisations to enable the people rebuild their homes before diseases set in the camps and lead to more deaths.
He also appealed to NEMA, SEMA, individuals and organisations to come to the aid of those affected to enable them rebuild their homes before the rains get too heavy making it impossible to build again.
