Devastating windstorm ravages Enugu communities, leaves scores homeless

Property worth millions of naira has been destroyed following a devastating windstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall that struck several communities in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The late-night storm, wreaked havoc in Ukete, Ameke, Achara, and Mmafu communities in Oduma, leaving a trail of destruction.

According to our report no fewer than 80 buildings, including residential homes, public schools, and churches, were severely damaged. Roofs were blown off structures, while farm crops, economic trees, electricity poles, and livestock were also destroyed.

Also not spared were goods and cash crops stored in farms were affected by the disaster that threw the communities into confusion, as residents struggled to salvage and dry their belongings soaked by the rain.

Patrick Oshiekwe, the traditional ruler of Ukete Oduma Community, , described the incident as unprecedented, likening it to a hurricane. He lamented that many residents have been rendered homeless, with his palace now serving as a temporary refuge for displaced families.

“Since I was born, I have never witnessed anything like this. Within a short time, many houses were destroyed, and people now have nowhere to sleep,” he said.

He appealed to the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as well as other stakeholders and well-meaning individuals, to urgently come to the aid of the affected communities.

Jeremiah Njoku, president general of the community, expressed shock over the scale of destruction, noting that the cause of the windstorm remains unclear.

“We thank God that no lives were lost, but the damage is enormous. This is one of the worst disasters in our history. Our people need urgent assistance,” he said.

Some victims, like Ernest Nweze and Ch Ifeanyichukwu Akuatuegwu, said they had lost properties they had laboured for over many years and called for immediate support.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (ENSEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), were seen conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas.

Ezeani Nnanyelug, Information Officer of NEMA’s Enugu Operations Office, confirmed that the joint assessment was concluded on April 9 across the four affected communities.

He stated that the windstorm caused extensive damage to homes, public infrastructure, farmlands, markets, and places of worship, leaving many residents homeless and without livelihoods.

Nnanyelugo noted that although no lives were lost and no injuries recorded, the scale of destruction has overwhelmed the coping capacity of the affected communities.

He added that NEMA and the Federal Government sympathise with the victims and are working towards providing necessary assistance.