By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia – the capital of Abia on Tuesday evening, recorded its first rain of the year following a downpour which lasted between five and seven hours.
The rain, which was preceded by the heavy wind started at about 5.30 p.m. in some areas in the metropolis, while the rain commenced in some parts of the state capital at about 8.00 p.m. and ended at 12.30 p.m.
Although there was no report of destruction to the property yet, many residents expressed happiness that the rain brought relief in the face of the hot weather, which residents have been experiencing in the past few weeks.
Some residents in the state capital, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, expressed delight that the rain had brought comfort to them.
Mr Johnson Anya, a businessman said that he was grateful to God for the rain, which he described as a blessing.
“The rain came, washed the gutters and flushed out the mosquitoes.
“This is a big relief; it will also help us sleep well, and help the plants to grow.’’
He expressed optimism that it would reduce the outbreak of diseases due to the heat, and make fruit-bearing crops to produce well.
Also speaking, Mrs Chidinma Egwim, a teacher said that the rain would put an end to heat-related illnesses, which had been rife within the past few weeks.
Egwim described the rain as a welcome development that would play a vital role in food security in the state.
Mr Innocent Onwuso, a baker said that he looked forward to the commencement of the rainy season as a result of the worsening power supply situation and the hot weather.
Onwuso expressed delight over the rainfall, adding that the rain would reduce the discomfort caused by the hot weather and encourage farming activities.
A corps member, Mr Wilson Chiburuoma said that the rain would usher in more favourable weather that would bring an end to the dusty and hot weather experienced in the past few weeks.
Chiburuoma expressed delight over the downpour, adding that for the first time in weeks he slept well through the night as a result of the cool weather caused by the rain.
He, however, called on Abia government to expedite action on ongoing road rehabilitations in the state before the rainy season sets in to alleviate the suffering of the people.
(NAN)
