A severe storm accompanied by a heavy downpour struck Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, on Wednesday evening, leaving a trail of destruction across the city. The two-hour rainstorm caused significant damage to infrastructure, disrupted economic activity, and left many residents injured and homeless.
More than 200 houses were destroyed as rooftops were ripped off, trees and electric poles were uprooted, and several buildings were flattened. Among the injured were children, some of whom sustained serious injuries as structures collapsed around them.
The downpour, which began with a violent windstorm and thunder, led to widespread flooding across the metropolis. Vehicular movement was paralyzed in several parts of the city as major roads became impassable due to blocked drains and fallen debris.
Areas most affected by the storm include Murtala Mohammed Highway, Calabar Road, Mary Slessor Avenue, Effio-Ette Junction, Target-Goldie Street axis, the University of Calabar (UNICAL) community, Atimbo Road, and the 8-Miles area.
Electricity supply was also severely impacted as multiple poles were brought down, prompting the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) to cut off power in the affected neighborhoods to prevent further hazards.
In response to the incident, the Cross River State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, issued a public advisory urging residents to exercise caution and avoid contact with fallen electric poles and exposed wires.
“We are advising residents in affected areas to take necessary precautions, including trimming overgrown trees around their homes,” Dr. Ekpang said. He also called on PHED and other relevant agencies to urgently assess and repair the damage to electricity infrastructure, as well as assist in debris clearance efforts.
The government assured the public that it is working to restore normalcy and minimize further risks, while urging citizens to remain vigilant as they go about their daily activities.
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