The Ekiti State government has deployed a team to assess the damage caused by last Monday’s severe rainstorm, which resulted in extensive destruction of public and private property in Omuo, Iworo, Isaya, and other communities in Ekiti East Local Council.

The aim is to provide assistance to the victims.The General Manager of the State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA), Mr Oludare Asaolu, led the government team to Omuo and other affected communities in the council.

He commiserated with the victims and assured them that Governor Biodun Oyebanji, described as a responsible and responsive leader, had directed an on-the-spot assessment to initiate the process of helping them repair their damaged buildings.

Describing the rainstorm’s impact as saddening and unfortunate, Asaolu noted that over 60 houses had their roofs blown off, while others sustained severe damage. He expressed relief that no fatalities were recorded.

Asaolu attributed the frequent rainstorms and strong winds in Ekiti and other parts of the world to global climate change. He emphasised the need for residents to plant trees around their homes as part of efforts to mitigate the emerging dangers of climate change and deforestation. He also noted that clearing forests for other land uses significantly contributes to climate change and has profound environmental consequences.

He assured the public that his agency would conduct a comprehensive assessment and enumeration to enable the government to provide necessary assistance to the victims. He further advised property owners to carry out routine maintenance on their houses to make them habitable and protect them from avoidable hazards.

Responding on behalf of the people of Omuo and other affected communities, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Kehinde Ajobiewe, and the Minority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Oladele Ogunsakin, expressed gratitude to the state governor for his swift reaction to the rainstorm.

The Paramount Ruler of Omuo-Ekiti, Oba Noah Omonigbeyin, also thanked God that no lives were lost despite the severe damages caused by the rainstorm. He appreciated the state government’s quick intervention and appealed to public-spirited individuals, particularly from the town, to assist those affected by the disaster.