By Nneka Nwogwugwu
It is observed that strong winds associated with rainstorms at the beginning of the rainy season are a threat to urban centres as they directly affect buildings and infrastructure.
Wind hazards also have indirect social and economic consequences on the communities affected.
Much of the damage done to buildings is as a result of inappropriate building designs that have not taken into consideration the wind environment.
A recent analysis by NatureNews correspondent, shows that from the period between 12-17 April, 2021, over 100 buildings in Nigeria have been destroyed by rainstorm in April.
In Osun state, multi-million naira buildings and 12 electric poles were destroyed by heavy rainstorm at the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.
The rain which fell for about 45 minutes, removed some roofs of the Institution’s Multi-Purpose Hall, Academic Affairs Complex, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Financial Studies, Directorate of General Studies and Computer Science Laboratory.
Others are Central Administrative Block, a section of the Bursary, Department of Business Administration, Students Work Industrial Experience Scheme Office and many other buildings of the Institution.
Also, about 12 electric poles and cables were uprooted by the storm, while some studios and laboratories were badly damaged.
As a result of the wreckage, administrative and academic activities in the institution were partially affected in the Polytechnic .
While reacting to the disaster, the Rector of the Institution, Dr. Woye Olaniran lamented that the disaster was unprecedented in the history of the Institution.
Also, many people were injured while some were said to have lost their lives as windstorm destroyed hundreds of residential buildings in some parts of Oforola and Obinze in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The heavy rain which came with ice pellets affected warehouses in the state.
The strong wind also damaged a vehicle, caused havoc to many storey buildings around Obinze especially makeshifts around the Army Barracks. It also affected fuel stations as well as schools around the area, Vanguard reports.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) presented its Seasonal Climate Prediction for year 2021. It said normal to above-normal annual rainfall is expected throughout the country.
In a presentation made by Senator Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, MiMet however said below normal rainfall totals will occur over a few places in the North-Western parts of the country such as Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kano States.
According to NiMet, the 2021 onset of the growing season is predicted to be normal to earlier than normal in most parts of Nigeria, with the earliest onset date likely to occur on March 1 along the coastal regions of the country.
In the norther parts of the country, the latest onset date is anticipated to be around June 29, while later-than normal onset dates are expected over a few places such as parts of Lagos, Ogun, Kebbi and Niger States.
Meanwhile, Senator representing Benue South Senatorial district, Abba Moro, two weeks ago called for urgent action to buffer the windstorm disaster in over ten communities in Ogbadibo Local Government of Benue State.
In a motion he sponsored and which was adopted on the floor of the Senate, Moro lamented the devastation of his constituents which was occasioned by a windstorm on April 8, 2021, saying that the victims have been rendered homeless.
The lawmaker was saddened that blocks of classrooms of some LGEA primary schools were ripped off by the windstorm while praying the National Emergency Management Agency to intervene without delay.
Detailing the wreck, he said: “Deeply pained that the said windstorm brought down all the blocks of classrooms of the LGEA primary school, Epeilo, the roofs of LGEA Primary School Obu 1, three Church buildings and all the blocks of classrooms of LGEA primary Odoba-Ehaje.
He said: “Residential buildings at Ojigo, residential buildings in Ola-Idu, some Church buildings, four clinics, a police station, masts, electric poles and many residential buildings in Ajide and Okpale-Otah in Okpokwu Local Government Council were all destroyed.
After, listening to the motion, Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan adopted the prayers, asking the National Emergency Management Agency to intervene as a matter of urgency.