Windstorm sacks over 10 communities in Cross River

A powerful windstorm has sacked over 10 communities in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

CONVERSEER gathered that the windstorm which followed a torrential rainfall on Tuesday, 2nd April, left a footpath of destruction in Ofumbongha 1, Ofumbongha 2, Ofumbongha 3, Ofumbongha 4, Yala-Obubra, Osakan, and Araragha.

Other affected communities include those in Ofumbongha/Yala ward and Daily Market, Mile 1, and Ogada 2 in Obubra Urban ward.

The havoc rendered more than 514 households homeless, with over 407 houses severely damaged or destroyed, including public facilities.

One of the leaders in the area, Hon. Solomon Ekam, revealed that the storm has also disrupted power supply in Obubra Urban and Ofumbongha/Yala axis, calling on relevant stakeholders to swing into action and provide relief materials for the affected communities as residents are spinning from the aftermath of the devastating occurrence.

The Central Youth President of Ofumbongha, Malachi Bassey, said this is not the first time such a catastrophe has struck the communities of Ofumbongha/Yala ward, as a similar incident happened 18 years ago, precisely in 2006. “The recurrence of such a disaster highlights the vulnerability of the communities,” he said, while calling for the urgent need for assistance.

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A resident of one of the communities, David Abam, said, “Housing, Electricity, and Business Premises, suffer massive destruction in Obubra as a stormy rainfall embarked on a destruction spree last evening, bringing down PHCN Poles and wires, Roofs of Households, Economic trees and business premises. In uniform continuity, Poles dropped down from the government technical college staff quarters to Daily Market Obubra – landing on roadside shops which led to colossal damages. With Communities like Ogada2, Mile1, Daily market, and Ofumbongha being recorded as the most affected areas.”

The Clan Head of Ofumbongha, Chief Lawrence Ayang, while commenting on the incident, appealed to the government, NGOs, private individuals, and relevant agencies to provide immediate aid to the displaced victims as many of the affected individuals are currently seeking refuge in public facilities, such as school classrooms, town halls, and health centres. He also called on the leaders of the various communities to collaborate efforts towards ensuring that their people are adequately settled for the destruction.

The principal counsel of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), Barr. James Ibor in a statement said, “We urgently appeal to the Government and the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs to intervene and provide the necessary support to those affected by this unfortunate disaster. Every contribution counts towards helping these families rebuild their lives and regain stability. Let us extend a helping hand to the people of this community in need.”

On his part, the member representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, assured residents of the affected communities of swift government intervention. He pledged to mobilise resources and coordinate relief efforts to support those affected.

The lawmaker, represented by his Media Aide, Eriacy Confidence Oba, who visited some of the communities affected by the storm, reiterated his commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of his constituents, emphasising the Federal government’s commitment to providing assistance in times of crisis.

During his visit to the affected areas, Hon. Ovat Dickson Agbor, member representing Obubra I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, pledged to mobilise members of the House and the state in addressing the immediate needs of the affected areas, while also signalling a commitment to long-term recovery and resilience-building initiatives.

CONVERSEER reports that the State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, through Francis Ekpo, the Director-General of the State Electrification Agency (SEA), has issued a directive for the urgent restoration of electricity in the affected areas.

He described the incident as “devastating” and affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis.

CONVERSEER further reports that the level of destruction caused by the windstorm during an on-the-spot assessment is vast, with roofs ripped off, houses flattened, and infrastructure damaged. Electric poles and wires were also been brought down, disrupting the electricity supply to the area. Business premises too have suffered significant losses, exacerbating the economic impact on the Local Government Area.