A torrential rainfall accompanied by a windstorm has caused widespread destruction in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, destroying farmlands and shops.

The downpour, which lasted about three hours on Saturday, triggered severe flooding that submerged farmlands along the Abakaliki–Afikpo Expressway, while strong winds blew off roofs of several shops and damaged property worth millions of naira.

Shop owners also recorded significant losses as the storm destroyed commercial buildings and damaged goods.

A trader along Afikpo Road, Mr. Jude Orji, said several shops were affected, with roofs blown off and traders forced to quickly evacuate their goods.

“The rainstorm caused extensive damage. Many shop owners lost valuable goods, while traders dealing in electrical appliances recorded huge losses after their products were soaked by rainwater,” he said.

Farmers also lamented heavy losses, saying crops such as yam, cassava, maize, rice, melon, and others were destroyed after the flood swept through their farmlands.

Another victim, Mr. Onyeka Nwode, said the area had experienced continuous rainfall in the past week before the recent destruction.

“We invested huge sums of money in our farms, but everything has been washed away by the flood. To ensure food production, we may have to start planting all over again if the flood recedes,” he said.

He appealed to the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assess the extent of the damage and provide relief to affected communities.

“We are predominantly farmers. We cultivate our crops early to support all-season farming, but regrettably, the flood has destroyed everything,” he added.

(Vanguard)

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