C’River communities plead for help after windstorm disaster

By Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

Some communities in Akamkpa local government area of Cross River State have pleaded for help following a windstorm disaster.

The affected communities, include Andighane, Anengheje, Mfamosin are in dire need of assistance to alleviate the untold hardship they are facing.

The windstorm which occurred over a week ago left in its trail large-scale destruction of residential buildings, school premises, worship centers, and marketplaces.

The Clan Head of Ojugnoth Clan and Deputy Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Ntufam Sunday Archibong, described the disaster as the most devastating he has ever witnessed in his lifetime.

“What has befallen us in these communities is something I have never witnessed in my lifetime.

“It started with breeze, after a while there was serious wind storm, then came a torrential rain, accompanied with thunder and lightning.

“It shook the foundation of this house as if it was going to pull off from the foundation”, he said.

He appealed for urgent intervention from both public and private institutions to bring relief to the victims.

Some of the victims including Gabriel Ekpe from Anengheje community are struggling to cope with the displacement of his family, who are now living in poor sanitary conditions.

The victims are appealing to relevant government agencies, corporate organizations, and public-spirited individuals for urgent assistance to help them return to normal life.

The Vice Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Comrade Emilia Abang after inspecting the communities described the scenario as very unhealthy.

“”I have gone round to see for myself the level of damage the windstorm has caused, the entire area and community is highly devastated.

“The whole scenario is very unhealthy for our people, so I feel really bad and downcast”, she said.

She promised to engage with relevant authorities to help bring immediate relief to the affected communities.

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