Many important buildings and other infrastructures have been brought down in the University of Cross River State, many parts of Calabar and adjoining towns.
This followed a fierce rainstorm which swept most parts of Calabar and nearby towns in the state.
The rainstorm affected some offices within the University campus, including the conference room in the Administrative Building housing the Vice Chancellor’s office.
Other affected buildings are: the University’s Library, Student Affairs building, Biological Science building, Environmental Studies building, New Science Block A, JAMB/CBT center, former Post Graduate School building, Mass Communication old block and the New Auditorium of the University.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Cross River State, Professor Francisca Bassey, has expressed concern over the gravity of damage of the University’s structures when she led members of the University’s management team on an on-the-spot inspection of the affected buildings in the Calabar campus of the University.
The Acting Vice Chancellor was represented by the Director of Administration, Professor Tom Ojikpong.
Roofs of many houses, shops, churches were also blown off, even as tree trunks fell off on houses in Calabar.
Many houses which roofs were blown off were flooded and walls of houses on Waddel Street were uprooted.
One Mr Akpan who lives on Waddel Street Calabar South had the roof of his blown off. His apartment was entirely flooded except his kitchen.
“The heavy rain and windstorm came without preparation. I thought it was going to be the normal rain but the impact of this one has wrecked me.
“My parlour and rooms except kitchen were all flooded as the roof of my apartment was ripped open. I had to move my family to a friend’s house to go and sleep..”, Akpan lamented.
A store owner on same Waddel Street, Mrs Glory Mike was also affected, leaving her bags of rice and other goods damaged.
“I have lost 10 bags of rice. The rain and the windstorm blew off the roof of my shop. I have lost my investments. How do I pay off my loans?”, she asked.
Commissioner for Information in the state, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, had in a statement had cautioned residents to stay off possible places where the thunderstorms could wreak havoc.
However, the Commissioner for Environment, Moses Osogi, has assured that government was taking necessary steps to address environmental issues.
