One person has been reportedly killed by a windstorm which destroyed properties in Wuro Juli, Wuro She, and other suburban areas in the Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

Some residents who witnessed the windstorm lamented the impact of the first rain, saying that it brought devastation to their areas.

They explained that 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.

Our correspondent gathered that the storm claimed the life of one child in Ampate area II, while several other individuals were hospitalised due to injuries sustained.

he fierce wind had a devastating effect in Ampate area I and II, Maitama, as well as parts of Nayi Nawa, and Bagadaza, communities, wreaking havoc in its path.

According to Abba, who lost his two-bedroom house and other valuables to a storm in the Ampate area, the aftermath was nothing short of devastation.

The 46-year-old, father of six narrated 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 were given a place to spend the night in a neighbour’s house while me and the two others stayed to watch over our properties that were left in the open,” Abba said.

On his part, the ward head of Wuro Ampate, Isah Adamu, who took officials from the Akko LGA around the area, told our correspondent that the development has left several families homeless in the area.

Adamu 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.”

The Gombe State Emergency Management Agency Executive Secretary, Haruna Abdullahi, confirmed the incident.

In a telephone interview on Tuesday with our correspondent Abdullahi said he has drafted his officers to ascertain the impact of the destruction.

Abdullahi stated, “I’m not around at the moment but I have asked our people to find out the situation in Wuro Juli, Wuro She and others.”

Asked if he was aware of the loss of life, he said, “I’m not aware of that until they go tomorrow (Wednesday) to assess the impact of the windstorm.”

Abdullahi urged residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as the rainy season progresses.

PUNCH