Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Ondo community, damages General Hospital, homes, others

A severe rainstorm has caused extensive destruction in the Iju/Itaogbolu community of Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, damaging parts of the General Hospital and several residential and commercial buildings.

The storm, which struck on Sunday evening, was accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds that left residents and health workers in distress as properties were destroyed across the community.

Eyewitnesses said the downpour swept through the town with intensity, forcing many residents to flee for safety as rooftops were blown off and structures were left exposed.

At the General Hospital in the community, sections of the building were severely affected, causing panic among patients and staff as parts of the facility became exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Findings showed that the hospital’s solar infrastructure, including solar panels and lighting systems, was completely destroyed, leaving the facility without its primary source of electricity.

Medical services were also disrupted, as diagnostic operations dependent on electricity could no longer be carried out due to the damage to the solar power system.

Despite the scale of destruction, no fatalities were recorded in the incident.

A resident, Mrs. Taiwo Oluyemi, described the disaster as devastating and called for urgent government intervention.

“This is a serious disaster for us… we are appealing to the government and well-meaning individuals to assist us,” she said.

Other residents also appealed to both state and federal authorities to provide relief materials and support the restoration of damaged infrastructure in the affected community.

Authorities are yet to release an official assessment of the total extent of damage caused by the storm.