By Ebube Okonkwo
Residents of Awka, the Anambra State capital, have witnessed the first rainfall of 2026, bringing relief after weeks of intense heat.
The rain, was accompanied by strong winds and thunder, and lasted for several hours.
Some residents described the rainfall as refreshing and timely, noting its importance for crops and fruit-bearing trees such as mango, African star apple and oranges.
Others, however, reported minor inconveniences, including flooding in some homes where windows had been left open due to the hot weather.
The downpour also affected parts of Ezinifite Okpuno in Awka South Local Government Area, where portions of the road were reportedly washed off, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
According to reports major roads in the capital remained largely free of flooding, attributed to ongoing government sensitization campaigns encouraging residents to clear drainage channels to ensure proper water flow.
The development underscores the need for sustained environmental sanitation and infrastructure maintenance as the rainy season approaches.
