By Sade Adewale, Ondo
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Several buildings were destroyed by a rainstorm that occurred after a downpour in Ondo city.
The downpour, which started at about 8pm, was reported to have wreaked havoc on some streets like: Akinmarin, Wemi Akinsola, Alaafiatayo, Oluwalomose, Arowojaye, Adegoju, Awolope all in Oke-Odunwo Quarters, Ondo.
The entire houses in two streets, Akinmarin and Wemi Akinsola were worst hit while scores of houses, shops, churches and other valuables were destroyed by the rain, but no life was reportedly lost in the incident.
All the electricity poles and wires in Oke-Odunwo and Akinmarin have been flattened which affected vehicular movement in the areas since the incident occurred.
According to an eye witness, Pastor Timothy Oluwagbenga Olanrewaju of Christ Apostolic Church, Olorunsogo Assembly in Wemi Akinsola, said the rain started with a very fierce wind some minutes before 8 pm on Monday and it lasted just about 10 minutes.
He said, “The rain caused havoc in the street; many properties were destroyed. Almost all the roads in area were blocked because of the electricity pole that fell during the wind, and there is no road to pass. There is a need for the government to intervene in this matter.
“The residents, most especially the house owners, were badly affected because they lost their goods to the incident. But we thank God that nobody was injured or died in the process.”
The local government chairman, Mr. Ebenezer Akinsulire, sympathied with those affected as they count their losses, saying government would take action on their matter as soon as possible. while sympathizing with them.
He said, “Definitely the government will act on the development. Oke-Odunwo is one of the major placeas they count their losses. in the City and such an incident should not happen without any action from the government. This government is concerned about the safety of the people in the state while praying that God will continue to protect the people of Ondo State.“
Other areas in Ondo city that were affected are Odosida, lisaluwa, and hospital road area, and some parts of Sabo among others.
The rain affected several electric poles leaving some streets in total blackout.
Speaking with The Hope Metro in a different interview, some residents of Odosida and Lisaluwa appealed to the state government to come to their aid before another rain started.
Mrs Rebecca Ayodele who is one of the victims said the level of devastation caused by the rain storm on Monday as many houses, Electricity poles, and shops were seriously affected in the area.
She, therefore urged the government to assist them because the destruction by the rainstorm is much beyond their power.
Some residents of the area including the chairman of the Odosida, John Akinboladun, and an octogenarian woman, shared their experience before and after the rain storm as they were scared when the rain came with thunder and heavy breeze.