The Ogun State Government has alerted residents of Akute, Isheri, Mowe, Ibafo, Riverside Estate and other border communities between Lagos and Ogun to relocate to avoid disaster as a result of another round of flooding.
The Commissioner for Environment in the state, Ola Oresanya, raised the alarm at a press conference in Abeokuta on Wednesday, following a series of flooding which claimed lives and property in the state.
Oresanya said the warning became imperative following the 2023 flood alert by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
The agency, he said, had predicted flooding in coastal areas of the state, citing the tidal lock of the Ogun River by Lagos Lagoon from natural rise in sea level coupled with the possible release of excessive water from Oyan dam.
Oresanya alerted residents of the state to brace themselves for flash floods as the state would experience 3,646mm of rainfall between April and November.
He recalled that the country recorded the worst-ever flood incidents in 2022 which killed over 600 people and displaced about 2.4 million persons.
The state also warned residents of 23 other communities prone to flood to urgently take precautions to alleviate the impact of flooding.
The commissioner said, “Residents are advised to desist from the temptation of building on run-off routes and the placement of temporary structures and containers or extension of business premises on top of drains in markets and public places.
“In preparation for the inevitable impact of the natural pattern of rainfall predicted for the year 2023, residents of 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; Owode; Igijo; Ilaro and Ijoko should expect flash floods due to heavy rainfall within short periods.
“The second season of rainfall will have a prolonged impact on wetlands such as Alagbole, Akute, Isheri, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Mowe, Ibafo, Kara, Onihale, Ebute Kimobi and Riverside Estate.
“These areas will witness coastal flooding due to the tidal lock of the Ogun River by Lagos Lagoon from the natural rise in sea level coupled with the possible release of excessive water from the Oya dam. Residents of these areas should be prepared to relocate temporarily from these areas during the second season of rainfall if required.
“Furthermore, farmers in the state are advised to complete the harvest in the month of August and avoid farming and livestock rearing along the flood plain to prevent the adverse impact of intense flooding of the second season of rainfall.”
