Environment
Rainstorm Destroys 50 Houses In Kwara
A heavy rainstorm had destroyed 50 houses in Omu-Aran, Kwara, last Wednesday rendering some of the residents homeless,
The heavy rain, which started some minutes after 6pm and lasted for about an hour, left some of the houses with either their roofs blown off or walls partially pulled down.
Eye witnesses said a middle-aged man had been injured when the wall of his house gave way as a result of the heavy rain.
The man, whose name was not given, was said to have been rushed to a nearby private hospital for treatment.
Also affected by the storm were schools, hospitals, Churches and filling stations within the town.
Some of the affected residents were forced to take shelter in houses of relatives not affected by the storm.
Majority of the victims, who were seen making frantic efforts to salvage their belongings, expressed regrets about the economic burden of the incident, and appealed to the government for assistance.
The problem became compounded as a result of power outage in the area for about six days.
The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, described the destruction by rainstorm as very unfortunate, and appealed to the government to assist the people to cushion the effects of the incident.
“We are particularly saddened by this unfortunate incident and we take it as an act of God.
“Our appeal is for the government to come to our aid and assist the people in alleviating the effects of the destruction,’’ the monarch said.
The DPO in the area, Mr Razak Adebayo, said the command was taking stock of the incident confirming that no life was lost.
Mr Bidemi Olawuyi, Secretary, Omu-Aran Development Association, ODA, urged the residents to be calm and render necessary assistance to those affected by the incident.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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