Several houses and properties were reportedly destroyed by a windstorm following heavy rainfall that wreaked havoc in Mokwa, Niger.

The windstorm occurred on Sunday, following a downpour that began around 10:00 p.m., leaving many residents homeless.

A resident, Ahmed Alhaji, told the Peoples Gazette on Monday that the windstorm affected several houses, including electricity poles in the community.

Mr Alhaji said, “The rain began around 10:20 p.m. last night, causing widespread destruction. Many properties were affected, with roofs torn off thousands of houses across Mokwa. Nearly every area experienced damage, including fallen electricity poles and trees.”

He added that the rainfall destroyed many homes, leaving several residents homeless and stranded.

“The floodwaters also damaged their properties, and both newly built and older houses were severely affected,” he added.

Mr Alhaji attributed the destruction to deforestation in the community, noting that the continuous cutting down of trees had left the area exposed.

Another resident, Idris Muhammad, said the roof of his house was blown off during the storm.

“The heavy winds of rainfall have destroyed half of my house, zinc,” Mr Muhammad said.

Ibrahim Hussaini, the spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, could not be immediately reached for comment.