A severe rainstorm has wreaked havoc in Iju/Itaogbolu community in Akure North Local Government area of Ondo State, destroying parts of the General Hospital and damaging several houses and shops in the area.

The storm reportedly struck the community on Sunday evening, leaving residents and health workers counting their losses.

Eyewitnesses said the heavy downpour, accompanied by strong winds, caused damage, forcing many residents to seek safety as the storm swept through the town.

Sections of the hospital building were damaged, leaving patients and staff in panic as parts of the facility were exposed to the weather.

Findings revealed that the hospital’s solar panels and solar-powered lighting system were completely destroyed by the storm.

Medical equipment and wards were also affected, disrupting healthcare services at the facility.

Sources at the hospital disclosed that diagnostic investigations requiring electricity could no longer be carried out as the solar power system, which serves as the hospital’s major source of electricity, had been damaged.

Despite the scale of destruction, no life was lost in the incident.

Some affected residents have appealed to both the federal and the state governments to come to their aid in order to cushion the effects of the losses suffered.

One of the victims, Mrs. Taiwo Oluyemi, described the incident as a major calamity for the community.

She said, “This is a serious disaster for us. The hospital depends largely on solar power, and now that it has been damaged, it will definitely affect healthcare services in the community. We are appealing to the government and other well-meaning individuals to assist us.”

Residents also called for urgent intervention to restore damaged infrastructure and provide relief materials to those affected by the rainstorm. (Daily Trust)

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