By Frank Ulom
While residents of Calabar, Cross River State, are yet to count their losses following the torrential rainstorm that swept across the city 10 days ago, another rainstorm has destroyed properties worth several million in Obanliku Local Government Area of the state. Over 100 houses are said to be affected.
The rainstorm which struck on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, left residents of Bishiri North in Obanliku homeless and displaced. The most affected communities are Lishiche and Shikpeche.
One of the residents, Prince Collins Obuo, who recounted what happened, disclosed that a town hall, church, schools, health post, and vehicles, were destroyed. Several people were also injured, with some taken to the hospital.
“It came like a drizzling rain, then reinforced with a heavy downpour as we’ve never seen before in a century.
“Widows, widowers residential homes, families, community town hall, church, schools, health post and vehicles packed outside were all affected, causing severe damage and havoc in the area. It has left many homeless and in tears.
“This disaster affected mainly the good people of Lishiche and Shikpeche communities. Casualties were rushed to hospitals as many fainted, were wounded, and were in acute shock.
“We call on various disaster management agencies, the government, and NGOs to come to our aid as almost every family is displaced,” Obuo stated.
Converseer reports that the Calabar rainstorm on April 21, hit the New Airport axis along Bassey Street, Calabar South, and other places in the metropolis, leaving residents unsettled and commuters stranded.
“Although, there were no casualties or reported property damage, the storm nonetheless had a significant impact. A major road connecting Anantigha to Ekpo Abasi Junction (UNICROSS) was blocked, hindering the movement and daily routines of many who depend on this route,” Joe Ephraim, a resident of the area said.
Meanwhile, residents are calling on the State Government to beef up disaster management with global best practices to mitigate such occurrences, since the state lies in the tropical region.
See photos of the disaster below:
