Flights grounded as rainstorm destroys Akure Airport equipment

Flights have been grounded at the Akure Airport, Ondo State, following the destruction of some vital equipment by a rainstorm.

Sources at the airport said equipment was destroyed at the control tower and engineering unit.

According to the report, equipment such as network time protocol, encoder, air conditioners, computers and other equipment in the control tower were destroyed in Monday’s rainstorm.

The source stated, “Monday’s thunderstorm really damaged many equipment inside the control tower, the windows were smashed while the ceiling also caved in.

“If you go round the airport, many buildings, including staff quarters, were affected. Seven buildings housing airport staff had their roofs removed as a result of the heavy rainstorm.

“With the development, all commercial flights have been grounded until further notice by the airport authority pending the repairs of damaged equipment”.

An official of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), who pleaded anonymity said the control tower and terminal buildings were affected.

The heavy downpour wreaked havoc on homes, schools, churches, at Eleyewo, Ilu Abo, Bolorunduro, and other communities in Akure North Local Government Area. The roofs of many schools were ripped off.

A victim, Mr. Lukmon Haruna, said he watched helplessly as his business premises were destroyed.

“It was just too heavy, and we couldn’t salvage anything while the downpour lasted. Over 20 houses and churches were destroyed by the rain. So, we are begging Mr. Governor (Lucky Aiyedatiwa) and other philanthropists to assist us,” he lamented.