Lagos and Arepo, two communities in Nigeria, have been left reeling after being hit by destructive wind and rainstorms, News About Nigeria reports.
The recent onslaught of severe weather conditions has caused extensive damage, leaving hundreds of buildings in ruins.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the devastating impact of the storms, which occurred on May 1 and May 15, 2023.
According to NEMA’s Lagos Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, a total of 336 families and 228 buildings have been affected. Thankfully, there have been no reports of casualties or fatalities resulting from the storms.
The affected communities in Lagos State include Agboyi One, Agboyi Two, Agboyi Three, Odo-Ogun, Agege, Ifako Ijaye, Ikola, Isale Aboru, and Oke Isegun.
NEMA’s assessment revealed that approximately 130 houses in the Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State suffered partial or complete damage. Furthermore, 228 families were directly impacted by the storms on May 1, 2023.
On May 15, the rainstorms unleashed their fury on Agege, Ifako Ijaye, Ikola, Isale Aboru, and Oke Isegun in the Alimosho Local Government Area.
Nearly 100 buildings were left battered and bruised, and 108 families found themselves displaced as a result. The destructive winds also toppled 13 electricity poles in these areas, further exacerbating the chaos.
Ibrahim Farinloye emphasized the importance of exercising caution during severe weather events, particularly during working hours. He urged the public to restrain their activities and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
In particular, he stressed the need to protect children by keeping them indoors during rainfall and teaching them to seek shelter under sturdy furniture to shield themselves from falling objects. Taking refuge under temporary structures or trees was strongly discouraged.
Meanwhile, the community of Arepo in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State also suffered extensive damage from the rainstorms.
The roofs of numerous structures, including shopping complexes, a school, a church, and a petrol station, were torn apart by the relentless onslaught.
Residents, landlords, and business owners in Arepo are now left grappling with the aftermath of the storm, with confusion and uncertainty clouding their minds.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying experience of the rainstorm, recounting how the forceful winds destroyed roofs, fences, and signposts.
The intensity of the storm caused significant damage to various buildings, including the ROA Hospital’s Shopping Complex, the Garden Park and Hotel, the Open Doors Assembly church, and a government school.
Additionally, electricity poles along Palace Road in Arepo were left slanted, with wires scattered on the ground.
As the affected communities in Lagos and Arepo begin the daunting task of recovery, the focus must be on ensuring the safety and well-being of those impacted. Local authorities, NEMA, and community leaders must join forces to provide immediate assistance, relief, and support to affected families. The process of rebuilding damaged structures will undoubtedly require collective efforts and resources.
