Windstorm: Delta warns residents against indiscriminate tree felling
Delta State Government has warned residents of the state against indiscriminate felling of trees, following a devastating windstorm, heavy rainfall, and hailstones that occurred on Tuesday in the Okpe Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Ejiro Jamani, made this known on Thursday while paying an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected communities of Ugbokodo, Jeddo, and Ughoton following the unfortunate incident.
He conveyed the deep sympathy of the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to them.
The torrential rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, caused significant damage to property worth millions of naira in the affected communities of Ugbokodo, Jeddo, and Ughoton.
On the entourage of the commissioner during the visit were the lawmaker representing Okpe Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, James Augoye; the Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area, Chief Isaiah Isiowa; officials from the State Emergency Management Agency, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant stakeholders.
Speaking with journalists at the end of the visit, the commissioner said it was aimed at ascertaining the extent of the damage.
He noted that among the critical infrastructures impacted were the Ughoton Health Centre, Ometan Primary School, Ughoton Secondary School, Ugbokodo Health Centre, Ugbokodo Secondary School, several business premises, residential buildings, and places of worship.
Jamani said that at each community visited, he assured them that “the government shares in their pain and stands in heartfelt solidarity with them during this challenging time.”
He spoke further, “I also took the opportunity to reassure all Deltans of Governor Oborevwori’s strong commitment to safeguarding lives and properties across the state.”
He assured residents that a detailed environmental investigation will be undertaken to determine the root cause of the windstorm and to develop appropriate response and mitigation strategies.
“In light of this incident, I reiterated the importance of environmental stewardship by all residents of the state.
“I warned against the indiscriminate felling of trees, which leaves our communities vulnerable to harsh environmental consequences.
“I therefore urge all residents to desist from such harmful practices and instead embrace tree planting as a proactive measure to combat climate change and reduce the impact of extreme weather events,” he said.
