Downpour wrecks havoc in Osun

Heavy rain, which started on Tuesday evening and lasted till Wednesday afternoon, has wrecked havoc in Osogbo, the Osun capital.

It was reported that the rain, which started at 7 pm. on Tuesday, destroyed a section of the perimeter fence of Osun Government House in Oke-fia.

It was also reported that buildings as well as property worth millions of naira were destroyed by the heavy rain, with its attendant flooding, in Alekuwodo, Onireke, Obate, Awosuru, Sadiat, Testing Ground and Atimowa areas of Osogbo.

A bridge in Awosusu area was also washed away by the rain, which resulted in heavy traffic in the axis.

Some of the traders at Alekuwodo market, whose shops and goods, such as cement, rice, beans, yam flour, among others, were destroyed by the rain, were seen wailing, sobbing and lamenting their plights.

Many buildings and shops were also submerged at Ilesa garage and other parts of the state capital.

Meanwhile, the state government has appealed to the victims of the flood to remain calm.

A statement issued by Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, said that government was already assessing the extent of the damage caused by the flood which attended the heavy rain.

“Government has activated its emergency response system, comprising stakeholders in disaster management, which include environmental management officers, health workers and security agencies, to respond efficiently to the incident, where necessary,” the statement said.

It appealed to those affected by the incident in any way to remain calm and await prompt and lasting solution, in the overall interest of the state.

“Citizens are also advised to be vigilant in the wake of the season’s downpour of varying intensity and desist from unsafe waste disposal which poses greater hazards to the environment.

“Government is mindful of its responsibilities to protect lives and property under all circumstances and it shall continue to do so at all times,” the statement added.