[Sender’s Address]
No. 7, Market Road,
Lokoja, Kogi State.
23rd September, 2025.
Dear Bisi,
How are you doing, my dear friend? I trust that you and your family are well. I am writing to share with you an unforgettable experience I had recently during a heavy rainfall and flood in our area. It was both frightening and eye-opening, and I thought you would find the story interesting.
It all started one Saturday afternoon. The sky became unusually dark, and strong winds began to blow. Soon, heavy drops of rain started falling, and before long, it turned into a serious downpour. The sound of the rain hitting the rooftops was deafening, and lightning flashed repeatedly across the sky. At first, we thought it would be an ordinary rainfall, but within minutes, the streets were filled with rushing water.
The water level kept rising quickly, and soon, it entered some people’s houses. Our compound was not spared either. My father and I had to lift some of our furniture to higher places to prevent them from being damaged. The flood carried away refuse bins, plastic containers, and even chickens from nearby houses. It was such a chaotic scene!
The worst part was that some people who lived near the river lost their belongings completely. I saw one man wading through the flood with his children on his shoulders, trying to reach higher ground. Many vehicles broke down in the water, and drivers abandoned them on the road. The traffic became terrible, and people had to walk in the rain to find safety.
What frightened me most was when the electricity suddenly went off, leaving everywhere in darkness even though it was still afternoon. The sound of the rushing water, thunder, and cries of people created a tense atmosphere. My younger siblings were so scared that they clung to my mother, crying bitterly.
Thankfully, after about three hours, the rain reduced, and the flood began to subside slowly. Some community leaders and volunteers came out to help those whose houses were badly affected. We also heard the following day that the government promised to construct better drainage systems to prevent such disasters in the future.
Although the experience was terrifying, it taught me valuable lessons. I realized how important it is for people to dispose of refuse properly and avoid blocking drainages, as this makes flooding worse. I also learned the need to always stay prepared for emergencies.
Bisi, I hope you never have to experience such a flood, but if you ever do, remember to stay calm and keep safe. Please write back soon and let me know how things are in your town. Greet your parents and siblings for me.
Yours sincerely,
Samuel
What Examiners Want to See
- Correct informal letter structure – address, date, salutation, body, closing.
- Narrative style – clear sequence of events: before, during, and after the flood.
- Vivid description – storm, rising water, people struggling, power outage.
- Lessons learnt – importance of good drainage, proper waste disposal, safety awareness.
- Word count (450+ words) – enough details to satisfy WAEC standards.
Tips for Students
- Always narrate in chronological order so the story flows naturally.
- Use descriptive language to capture the reader’s imagination.
- Don’t just describe the event—add your feelings and lessons learnt.
- Keep the tone conversational since it’s an informal letter to a friend.
- Avoid exaggeration—make the story believable.