A child killed, several injured, buildings destroyed as windstorm devastate Gombe communities

Residents of Gombe metropolis will not forget Monday, May 6, 2024, in a hurry, as it marked the first rainfall of the season, but beyond that it also came with tragedy as the accompanying windstorm wreaked havoc in parts of the metropolis and even claimed the life of a child.

The first rain of the rainy season brought with it 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. Besides the life of child in Ampate area 2, 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, as according to Malam Abba, a resident who lost his two-bedroom house and other valuables to the storm.

The 46-year-old, father of 6 told our correspondent 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 was 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 passed the night in a neighbor’s house, while I and the two others stayed to watch over our properties that were left in the open,” Abba told our correspondent 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, said 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 stated.

The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) could not be reached for comments on the situation as the executive secretary was not on seat as of the time of filing this report. However, our correspondent gathered at the agency’s office that the development has 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.