Most parts of Ogun State may be flooded this year as we go into the thick of the rainy season, especially in the months of June and July when the state would begin to experience prolonged and heavy downpour of rain.
Residents of the state have therefore been warned to be gearing up for this heavy downpour of rain that would even often be accompanied with flash flood in almost all parts of the state.
According to the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, Ogun being a costal State, would experience prolonged rainfall this year that would be accompanied with flash flood in most part of the state, especially in the months of June and July.
Painting a dire picture of the impending flood in the state, Oresanya warned that the coastal flooding may also be compounded with the release of water from Oyan dam and high tide in the lagoon.
Oresanya who noted that the state warning was backed up by the Nigeria Meteorology Agency’s (NIMETS) predictions on this year’s rain called on all residents of the state living in flood-prone areas to relocate to a higher ground immediately in order to take precautions against the flash floods.
The Special Adviser who was briefing newsmen on the efforts of government against rainfall and flooding in 2022 listed the critical areas that could be hard hit by the expected flood to include; Isheri, Akute, Warewa, Oke-afa, Owa and Yemule Riverbanks in Ijebu-Ode.
Others arrears are Onihale in Ifo, Ogun Waterside, Ebute-kimobi in Ijebu-East and those living near the flood plains of Sokori, Arankanga and Onikoko River in Abeokuta.
He also advised those living in Eruwuru in Sagamu, Ijamode, Isaka Owode-Yewa in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government and all those living in the aforementioned areas to take precautionary measures during this season.
Speaking on the efforts of government in combating the expected flood, Oresanya advised residents to stop the habit of dumping refuse on the road and drainage channels, while residents in flood prone areas must make adequate precaution to safeguard the vulnerable members of their communities, such as children, aged and physically challenged.
Oresanya added that canals and coverts have been constructed, rivers and canals have been dredged, while others have been desilted, and lots of erosion control projects have been embarked on.
He said the Governor, have directed that the flood Emergency Management Unit, (FEMU) be decentralised into all the 20 Local Government Areas of the State to foster response to emergency calls during the raining season.
