Onitsha Records First Rain

Onitsha, the commercial

nerve centre of the South-East and South-South, witnessed its first rain in 2013 that lasted for 40 minutes on Monday.

Our correspondent reports that the rain started at about 5:51 a.m. ended at about 6:30 a.m. It was accompanied by heavy winds some hours after the rain. The rain also reduced the dust caused by the harmattan weather that had held sway in the city.

The residents described the rain as a good omen for the year. However,  the Programme Manager, Anambra Agricultural Development Programme, Mr Leo Amoka, said that it was difficult to scientifically say or prove what would happen in the year.

“We need more rain to actually make a tangible comment about the weather this year.’’

Meanwhile, major markets and schools in Onitsha and its environs have resumed activities for the year.

Our correspondent who went around the metropolis, observed that the two major markets in Onitsha – Main Market and Bridge-Head Market – which were closed for over 10 days for the yuletide break, opened for business on Monday. School pupils and their teachers were seen rushing to their various schools in the early hours of the day amidst traffic hold-ups in rural roads in Onitsha. The major roads – Onitsha-Enugu and Onitsha-Owerri roads – experienced light traffic.