Rainstorm destroys 42 houses in Delta community

From Osakhare Erese Asaba

Heavy rainstorm has destroyed no fewer than forty-two houses in Ogbe-Udu community Udu Local Government Area of Delta State; and two persons feared killed.
The rainstorms said to have wreaked havoc in the community’s farm lands, sacked hundreds of persons from their houses.
Barr. Ernest Ogwezzy, the State Commissioner for Special Duties who to journalists in Asaba, disclosed that the rainfall occurred at the weekend, adding that the devastating effect of the rainstorm, left many of the community’s residents homeless.
While assuring the victims of government’s palliative measures, the commissioner disclosed that the State Government was committed to assisting the victims, adding: “I have gone round the community, and I have seen the devastating effects of the rainstorm, I can assure the victims that in no distant time they will hear from the State Government”.
He reiterated the commitment of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the welfare of Deltans, adding that government would stop at nothing in wiping the victims’ fears by giving them relief materials that will cushion the effects of the rainstorm.
In a related development, goods worth millions of naira were at the weekend destroyed by fire, which gutted five shops at Isumpe road of Eke market in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing the victims, the Commissioner for Special Duties in the state, Barr. Ernest Ogwezzy described the incident as unfortunate, and a colossal loss.
He lamented the ugly incident, and assured the victims of government’s assistance to ameliorate the plight of the people; noting: “the fire outbreak is indeed very sad, and unfortunate, the state government will come to your aid to ameliorate your plight”.
Some of the victims who spoke to our reporter, one of them, Ossai Jude, lamented the unfortunate incident, and called on the state government for quick intervention.
The affected buildings include: Ogbe-Udu Primary School, Ogbe-Udu Secondary School, Great Favour Group of Schools, God’s Power Mission, among others. Investigation revealed that the rainstorm also swept away farm crops including the victims’ properties into the community’s river; thereby creating fear of the unknown in the area.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director, Social Services Development, Delta State Oil Producing Aeras’ Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Mr. Christopher Ochor, has condemned the attitude of traders in Obiaruku main market blocking the water drainage channels through illegal refuse dumps.
Mr. Ochor who was encouraged by the quality of works of the contracting firm, however expressed sadness on the traders who had formed the habit of blocking the drainage channels in the market, thereby causing more problems when it rains.
He said: “with these wastes blocking the channels, it will make nonsense of the de-flooding work being done by the government via DESOPADEC, we have to change our attitude in the use of public facilities”.