Ogun State Government has advised residents in flood-prone communities to move to safer locations as heavy rainfall and river overflow are expected in the coming weeks.
Gatekeepers News reports that communities along Ogun, Ilo, Iju, Owa, and Yemule rivers including Isheri, Warewa, Akute, parts of Abeokuta, Ayetoro, Itele, Iju, and coastal areas like Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara (Ogun Waterside), Ebute-Imobi (Ijebu East), Tungeji Island, and Agosasa in Ipokia LGA are expected to be most affected.
According to Ola Oresanya, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, the flooding may last for two weeks as part of the second phase of seasonal flooding, which usually happens between September and November. He noted that the situation could be worsened by the release of water from Oyan Dam.
Oresanya assured residents that the state’s Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is on high alert for possible evacuations. Temporary emergency camps have also been prepared.
The commissioner further warned residents to avoid using water from boreholes and wells during this period, as they may be contaminated.
He also urged fish farmers along floodplains to quickly harvest their fish to prevent losses. Areas like Eriwe, Yemule (Ijebu Ode), Ilase, and Ayegbami in Yewa were specifically advised to take immediate action.
Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted that rainfall in September will peak at 204mm, with 190mm expected in October, before reducing to 93mm in November.
In addition, the Ministry of Environment is working with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to manage water releases from Oyan Dam and reduce flooding impacts.
