Heavy downpour that lasted several hours on Sunday evening has left a trail of destruction in Are-Ekiti, as scores of residents grapple with the aftermath of collapsed buildings, blown off roofs and widespread displacement across the community.
The rain, described by locals as unusually intense and prolonged, reportedly began in the late hours of the day and continued well into the night, accompanied by strong winds that tore through rooftops and weakened already vulnerable structures in the area.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that several houses could not withstand the force of the storm, leading to partial and in some cases complete structural failure, while household belongings were either destroyed or washed away by floodwaters that quickly inundated many parts of the town.
As a result of the incident, many families have been rendered homeless, with affected residents now seeking temporary shelter with relatives and neighbours, while others have been left stranded without immediate support or access to basic necessities.
Community members expressed deep concern over their current living conditions, noting that the sudden displacement is capable of exposing them to health risks, particularly among children and the elderly, who may now forced to endure harsh weather conditions without adequate protection.
Victims of the disaster have appealed passionately to the Ekiti State Government, led by Biodun Oyebanji, urging swift intervention to alleviate their suffering and prevent further humanitarian challenges in the community.
They specifically called on the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency to mobilise emergency response efforts, assess the level of damage, and provide immediate relief materials, including temporary shelter, food supplies, and medical assistance for those affected.
Community Leaders in the area have also called for government intervention, emphasising that urgent support is required not only to rehabilitate the victims but also to restore normalcy and rebuild damaged infrastructure within the area.
As the community continues to count its losses, there is growing anticipation that relevant authorities will respond promptly to the distress call, offering both immediate relief and long term solutions to safeguard lives and property against similar occurrences.