by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
In what could be described as a devastating rainstorm, Tuesday’s heavy downpour claimed two lives and destroyed more than 50 houses in Dokan Mai-Jama’a Village in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Village Head of Dokan Mai-Jama’a, Alhaji Hamisu Tukur, who confirmed the incident, monitored in Radio Nigeria Kaduna, added that over fifty houses were seriously affected by the storm.
Scene of destruction caused by rainstorm at Dokan Mai-Jama’a.
Reports from the community indicated that the heavy downpour, accompanied by strong winds, began at about 6:41 pm on Tuesday and lasted for more than 40 minutes, leaving widespread destruction in the areas.
Correspondent of the Station, who visited the area, also reported that many affected families have been displaced and are now facing severe hardship, adding that, while some residents lost their homes completely, others had their roofs blown off or building structures badly damaged.
The Village Heads of the affected households were seen scrambling for shelter, seeking refuge for their families as they struggled to cope with the aftermath of the disaster, according to the Kaduna Sub-Station report.
“The victims have appealed to the Kaduna State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for urgent assistance,” it added.
In a related development, the rainstorm also affected parts of Sabon Gyero Community where several houses were damaged and more than ten perimeter fences destroyed, in area also located at Millennium City under Chikun local government area.
Eyewitnesses say the heavy rainfall also caused significant traffic disruption, blocking a major road and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
At the time of filing this report, however, Kaduna State Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had deployed a team to Dokan Mai-Jama’a to assess the extent of the damage.