A severe rainstorm accompanied by powerful winds has caused extensive destruction in Iju/Itaogbolu community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, damaging critical infrastructure, including parts of the General Hospital, as well as several residential houses and business shops.
The storm, which reportedly occurred on Sunday evening, left residents in shock as heavy rainfall intensified into strong gusts that tore through rooftops and weak structures across the community. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as people scrambled for safety while the storm swept through the area, uprooting structures and damaging property within minutes.
One of the worst-hit facilities was the General Hospital, where sections of the building were severely affected. Patients and health workers were forced into panic as parts of the facility were exposed to rain and wind, raising concerns about safety and continuity of healthcare services.
A major setback reported at the hospital was the destruction of its solar power system, including solar panels and lighting infrastructure, which had served as the facility’s primary source of electricity. The damage has now disrupted essential medical services, particularly diagnostic tests and procedures that rely on stable power supply.
Medical personnel at the facility confirmed that several wards and pieces of equipment were also affected, further complicating the delivery of healthcare services. The lack of electricity has temporarily halted certain laboratory and diagnostic operations, leaving patients with limited access to full medical care.
Despite the scale of destruction, authorities confirmed that no fatalities were recorded in the incident. However, the material losses are described as significant, with both public infrastructure and private property heavily impacted.
Residents of the community have appealed urgently to both the Ondo State Government and federal authorities to provide immediate assistance. They are calling for emergency repairs, relief materials, and restoration of essential services to help affected families recover from the disaster.
One resident, Mrs. Taiwo Oluyemi, described the situation as devastating, emphasizing the importance of restoring the hospital’s functionality. She noted that the destruction of the solar power system had effectively crippled healthcare delivery in the area, warning that patients could suffer if urgent intervention is delayed.
Community leaders and residents have also urged disaster management agencies to assess the full extent of the damage and implement long-term measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, especially as extreme weather events continue to affect vulnerable rural communities across the region.
