From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
Monday, May 6, 2024, was a tragic day for residents in parts of the Gombe metropolis as a windstorm that accompanied the first rain of the rainy season in Gombe brought devastation to the communities.
According to some members of the communities, the day started as usual, with the excitement of the first rain of the season in the air. However, what followed the rain which started at around 4:30 pm was beyond anyone’s worst nightmares. Daily Sun gathered that the storm claimed the life of one child in Ampate area 2, while several other individuals were hospitalized due to injuries sustained.
The fierce winds tore through Ampate area 1 and 2, Maitama, as well as parts of Nayi Nawa, and Bagadaza communities, wreaking havoc in its path. The aftermath was nothing short of devastation, that is according to Malam Abba, a resident who lost his two-bedroom house and other valuables to a storm in the Ampate area.
The 46-year-old, father of 6 told Daily Sun that the heavy wind and rain started while he was still teaching his Almajiri students and he decided to close the session immediately the roof of the shade they were studying was blown away. “After that, I noticed that some parts of the roofing of my house in gone, I then rushed into the compound to see what was happening and that was how the complete roof was blown away and the fence was brought down as well as other parts of the building. My wife and 4 of my children were given a place to pass the night in a neighbour’s house, while I and the two others stayed to watch over our properties that were left in the open,” Abba told Daily Sun in an interview.
Meanwhile, the ward head of Wuro Ampate, Isah Adamu Ampate who took officials from the Akko local government council around the area, told Daily Sun that the development has left several families homeless in the area. He said, “I have been going around to ascertain the number of affected buildings and families, but I have not been able to get the exact number because the destruction is enormous, as you can see, the area is big and there are over 100 houses that are affected.
We only hope that the government will come and support these families who are mostly seeking shelter and other support. You know people are already going through a lot of challenges due to the growing hardships in the land, and this destruction has added to the troubles of several families,” Isa told Daily Sun.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) could not be reached for comments on the situation as the executive secretary was not on the seat as of the time of filing this report. However, Daily Sun gathered at the agency’s office that the development have been reported and the agency’s rapid response team has visited the areas and was working to assess the damage to possibly assist those affected by the natural disaster.
Meanwhile, authorities in the state are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as the rainy season progresses.