One feared dead as rainstorm destroys roofs, walls in Anambra

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By Vincent Ujumadu

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AWKA — A commercial tricycle operator was feared dead while roofs and walls of several buildings were destroyed after a rainstorm wreaked havoc across parts of Anambra State on Monday night.

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The heavy downpour, which lasted for several hours, also flooded several roads, creating fresh gullies in erosion-prone areas and leaving some routes impassable.

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The tricycle operator was reportedly swept away by floodwater in Awka while attempting to rescue a woman during the downpour.

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His lifeless body was later discovered around Miracle Junction in the Ifite area of Awka, hours after he was swept away near the Book Foundation area of the state capital.

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Residents reportedly made frantic efforts to rescue him but were unable to overcome the force of the floodwater.

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In Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area, strong winds accompanying the storm ripped off the roof of a filling station covering its fuel pumps.

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The structure landed on a shuttle bus that was about to buy fuel, nearly splitting the vehicle into two.

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Following the incident, operators of the filling station immediately shut the facility.

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Similarly, a resident of the 2nd Market area of Ifite, Awka, said the storm caused significant damage within his compound.

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According to him, a thunderous sound was heard during the storm before a perimeter fence collapsed onto an SUV parked inside the compound.

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The incidents added to growing concerns over the impact of heavy rainfall, flooding and erosion in several parts of the state.

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