Ogun Govt warns residents of flooding, seeks relocation

The Ogun State Government has alerted residents of about 23 communities and other border communities between the state and Lagos of expected flash floods due to heavy rainfall predicted for the state by the Nigerian Metrological Agency.

The commissioner for environment, Ola Oresanya at a press conference in Abeokuta on Wednesday, urged residents of the state to brace up for flash floods as the state is expecting 3,646mm of rainfall between April and November.

Oresanya advised the residents in those communities to temporarily relocate to avoid loss of lives and property due to flooding.

Giving an outlook predictions for the 2023 flood alert for the state, the commissioner said 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, Ilaro and Ijoko to expect flash floods due to heavy rainfall within short periods.

“As predicted by the Nigerian Metrological Agency, Ogun State is expected to have two seasons of rainfall for the year 2023, first between April and July with average 1658mm while the second is expected between September and November with 1988mm of rainfall.”

“Residents are advised to desist from the temptation of building on run-off routes and 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 in the following areas at, 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.”

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The commissioner stated that some areas with prolonged impact in wetlands, such as Isheri, Mowe, Kara, Ibafo are to experience coastal flooding due to tidal lock of the Ogun River by Lagos Lagoon from natural rise in Sea level”

“The second season 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.

Oresanya also advised farmers to complete their harvest in the month of August t avoid loss of farm produce.

“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 rainfalls.”

The commissioner said the state govt is doing its best by putting plans in place to minimise the impact of the predicted downpour and appealed to residents against man-made activities which could compound the challenge of the expected flash floods.