An elderly man, identified only as Wakunga, tragically lost his life on November 4 when a large banyan tree fell on him in his compound in Nguthe village, Afuda Parish, Jangokoro Sub-County, Zombo District.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Thursday as heavy rain and strong winds swept through the area.
Witnesses reported that the intense weather, characterised by fierce winds, uprooted the banyan tree with its expansive root system and dense canopy, causing it to fall on Wakunga.
Local leaders described Wakunga, 80, as a longtime resident who lived alone and had been lacking adequate support and care.
David Binen Arua, the district councillor for Jangokoro Sub-County, confirmed the incident, sharing that a young primary school pupil was sheltering nearby and witnessed the tragic event.
“The primary school pupil alerted us after seeing the strong wind blow down the tree during the heavy rain,” said Arua. “We visited the scene with police from the Jangokoro police post, where we found Wakunga deceased. The body was subsequently retrieved and handed over to his relatives.”
The LCV chairperson of Zombo District also commented on the tragedy, noting his connection to the deceased: “That is my uncle; he lived near Alala Primary School in Jangokoro.”
Local authorities and community members are mourning the loss and reminding residents to take additional precautions during extreme weather events, especially in areas with older trees that could pose risks to people and property.
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