Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Calabar – Converseer

…destroying properties worth billions in less than 4 hours

CALABAR – Properties worth billions of naira have been destroyed following the rainstorm that wreaked havoc in the first Nigerian capital, Calabar, Cross River State.

The devastating incident which happened on Wednesday, 7th May 2025, put the city in a state of destruction – the worst in history.

Converseer reports that the rain, which started at about 4 PM, destroyed economic trees, vehicles, electricity poles and cables, banks, telecommunication masts, houses, markets, businesses, private and government establishments, and many others.

The rain also caused floods in some areas prone to flooding, too.

Some of the affected places include Murtala Mohammed Highway, 8 Miles, Ekorinim, Summit Hills, Ikot Ansa, Harbour, Mobil, MCC, Calabar Road, Stadium, Marian, Akai Efa, Asari Eso, Ediba, Big Qua, State Housing Estate, and Federal Housing Estate.

Others are Marian Market, IBB, Eta Agbor, Mary Slessor, Barracks Road, Watt, Ekpo Abasi, Jebbs, New Airport, Atimbo, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Bypass, Goldie, Anantigha, Target, Mayne Avenue, Bedwell, White House, UNICAL, and others.

Other Local Government Areas around, like Akpabuyo, Odukpani, were also affected by the rainstorm.

Residents are calling on the government to replace all old trees with economically viable new ones. They also urged the government to replace all old electricity poles and wires with new and stronger ones.

“The old trees currently lining our area have become dangerously weak and pose a serious risk, especially during storms or heavy winds. These trees are no longer just an eyesore – they are potential hazards waiting to cause serious harm or damage.

“I strongly recommend that these old trees be urgently removed and replaced with new, economically valuable trees such as cocoa, coconut, or other sustainable alternatives. This would not only enhance safety but also contribute to the local economy in the long term.

“I appeal to the authorities in charge of the environment to act swiftly before any unfortunate incident occurs. Let us be proactive rather than reactive,” Chris Ikposhi Jr, a resident of Calabar, said.

Responding to the disaster, the state government, through the Ministry of Information, directs all relevant authorities to the affected areas in order to restore normalcy.

The government also advised residents who have no business going out to remain indoors until everything is put in place.

“The Cross River State Government wishes to draw the atterntion of the entire Citizenry of the State, especially residents of Calabar Metropolis and other adjoining Local Government Areas in the Southern Senatorial District, to the heavy rains and windstorm of Wednesday, 7th May 2025, and the accompanying destruction of houses, electricity poles and trees in the City centre.

“The government further advises residents to take precautions by trimming fallen and overgrown trees in and around their vicinity while at the same time ensuring that they avoid broken-down electricity poles and wires to ward off any impending danger or fatalities.

“Government hereby implores all relevant Government Agencies and officials of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company in particular to swiftly move into action to rectify all damages caused to electricity facilities in the wake of the Rain/Windstorm, with a view to restoring power supply and clearing the debris in the overall interest of the citizens.

“In the meantime, residents who do not have any serious business going out on the streets and roads are hereby enjoined to remain indoors until normalcy is restored. Finally, the Government solicits the cooperation and understanding of residents so we do not register any casualty, please,” a statement by Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Information, read.

A statement released by the management of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company PLC (PHED) on Thursday stated that work is ongoing to restore power in the affected areas.

The statement addressed to the Customers and shared on the official social media handles of the company read, “Dear Esteemed Customer, The Management of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution wishes to inform the general public, particularly our esteemed customers in Calabar that the outage experienced in the Metropolis and other adjoining Local Government Areas is as a result of the severe rain and heavy windstorm that swept across the state yesterday, May 07, 2025, between 4.45pm and 8.00pm.

“This incident caused significant damage to PHED power facilities and, hence, the outage. We extend our deepest sympathies to individuals and organisations whose properties were damaged in the storm. We understand the extent of the disruption this has caused and assure the public that we are working tirelessly to restore power Supply.

“We appeal to our esteemed customers in Calabar to exercise patience as our technical team is working to normalise the situation as soon as possible. All inconveniences are regretted.”

Converseer reports that a similar incident happened on 30th November 2023, leaving the city in total blackout.

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