Ogun State Government Issues 2023 Flood Alert, Warns Residents To Take Precautions

Ogun State Government Issues 2023 Flood Alert, Warns Residents To Take Precautions

The Ogun State government has issued a warning to residents of Akute, Isheri, Mowe, Ibafo, Riverside Estate and other border communities with Lagos State to relocate in order to avoid disaster as a result of another round of flooding. The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, raised the alarm during a press conference held in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

Oresanya said the warning became imperative following the prediction of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency on the 2023 flood alert in the state. He said the listed areas would witness coastal flooding due to the tidal lock of the Ogun River by the Lagos lagoon from a natural rise in sea level coupled with the possible release of excessive water from the Oyan Dam.

According to the commissioner, the state was expecting 3,646mm of rainfall between April and November, which is a significant amount of precipitation. He advised residents to brace for flash floods and urged them to take precautions to reduce the impact of the impending floods.

The state also warned residents of 23 other communities that are prone to flood to urgently take precautions to alleviate the impact. Some of the areas mentioned include Onikoko, Sokori, and Arakanga areas in Abeokuta; Owa and Yemule riverbanks in Ijebu-Ode; Eruwuru in Sagamu; Ebute Kimobi in Ijebu East; Isaka Owode in Ado-Odo Ota; and Owode, Igijo, Ilaro, and Ijoko.

Residents in these areas were advised to expect flash floods due to heavy rainfall within short periods. Additionally, farmers in the state were advised to complete their harvest in the month of August and avoid farming and livestock rearing along the flood plains to prevent the adverse impact of intense flooding during the second season of rainfalls.

The commissioner also warned residents to desist from the temptation of building on run-off routes and placing temporary structures and containers or extensions of business premises on top of drains in markets and public places. This is to prevent the blockage of drains and the diversion of water flow, which could lead to flash flooding.

Oresanya reassured residents of the state that the government has an effective collaboration with the management of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and the neighbouring states of Lagos and Oyo, especially as it relates to the release of water from the Oyan Dam.

In conclusion, the government has taken the necessary steps to prevent the loss of lives and properties that could result from the predicted flooding. However, it is important that residents of the affected areas take the necessary precautions to reduce the impact of the floods.