On Thursday, Ola Oresanya, the Commissioner for Environment in Ogun State, cautioned the state’s inhabitants about potential flash floods occurring between March and July.
Oresanya stated that residents in areas such as the floodplains of Isheri, Akute, Warewa, and along the riverbanks of Yemule in Ijebu-Ode; Ifaara and Ebute-Oni within Ogun Waterside; plus locations like Arakanga and Isakale in Ado-Odo Local Government area should prepare for relocation to more secure regions ahead of potential flooding from September through November.
The commissioner revealed this information during a press conference conducted in Abeokuta, the state capital, aimed at informing the state’s inhabitants about the flood warning for 2025.
He mentioned that annually, the ministry releases flood warnings to the residents with the aim of increasing awareness regarding floods and their negative effects on both the environment and the socioeconomic well-being of the population.
The commissioner stated that residents should work together with the authorities and avoid disposing of waste in rivers and streams as well as other detrimental actions that might obstruct water flow, resulting in floods.
He mentioned that over the past five years, the government has cleared approximately 988.3 kilometers of rivers and streams from silt and built 698 meters of drainage systems to ensure smooth water flow, thereby reducing flooding throughout the state.
He disclosed that to further reduce flooding in the wetlands of Isheri, Akute, and Warewa, the state government has finalized plans to develop additional branches for the Ogun Rivers and finish the channeling work along the Opa Aro River.
Oresanya stated that the initiative was scheduled to start in April in stages, beginning with the dredging of the Banku River from Majidun to Mawarere.
The commissioner stated that the area’s flood retention period had decreased from an annual average of six weeks to just three weeks in 2024. This improvement is attributed to the positive result of State Governor Dapo Abiodun approving the dredging of the Oparo River aimed at mitigating flooding issues in the Isheri community.
He stated, "As part of the government’s ongoing initiatives to reduce flooding within the region, inhabitants of Ijebu-Ode, Ota, Owode, Abeokuta, Onihale in Ifo, Sagamu, Ilera, and Ishara should remain vigilant against potential flash floods anticipated from March through July."
Similarly, residents in the flood-prone areas along the Isheri, Akute, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Owa, and Yemule riverbanks within Ijebu-Ode; Ifaara, Ebute-Oni, Ayede-Ayila, Makun, Iwopin, and Igele located in Ogun Waterside; Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East; as well as Sokori, Arakanga, and Onikoko rivers in Abeokuta; Eruwuru, Eri, Ibu, Majopa, Odan, and Sensen in Sagamu; and Ijamido, Ilo, Erukomu, and Isakale in the Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area should consider relocating to more secure locations prior to the expected coastal flooding from September through November.
This year, NIMET’s forecasts emphasize the potential for intense rainfall, measuring between 965mm and 1805mm, sparking worries across the nation about increased flood risks for communities that are particularly susceptible to such events.
The rain forecasts for Ogun State began at the start of this month, March, with a predicted Little Dry Spell (LDS) starting on July 21st lasting approximately 27 to 40 days.
He further stated, "Moreover, according to NIMET forecasts, from April through June, there will probably be an intense dry period lasting more than 15 days following the onset of rain. Additionally, these predictions have pinpointed 16 local government areas as regions at high risk for flooding."
To reduce the effects of floods over two consecutive seasons within the state, the local government has undertaken several measures over the past five years. They have cleared silt from 988.3 kilometers of rivers, streams, and drainage channels. Additionally, they've built 698 meters of reinforced drains and culverts with varying dimensions. It’s important for drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians to avoid entering or crossing submerged roads when it rains.
Community Development Associations (CDAs) are obligated to inform their residents against disposing of waste into drainage channels and rivers/streams, constructing buildings along runoff paths, or engaging in other actions harmful to the environment. The state government has made it clear that they will not hesitate to impose severe penalties for such inappropriate behavior.
Farmers within the state are encouraged to adhere to the predicted rainfall patterns and structure their planting schedules according to weather forecasts to avoid damaging their crops and livestock.
The commissioner directed all twenty of the Local Government Chairmen.
To adapt the NIMET weather forecast for use by different CDAs and local communities in their native languages for effective planning during the upcoming rainy season.
He emphasized that the State Emergency Management Authority has guaranteed the inhabitants of the state that they are prepared to carry out their official responsibilities effectively in the event of an emergency evacuation to specially designated IDP camps situated strategically throughout the region.
He also suggested that the ministry will work alongside the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to oversee the regular discharge of water from the Oyan Dam, particularly when rainfall reaches its height, aiming to reduce the effect of excess flow from the Ogun River on the susceptible wetland areas.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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