The Ogun state government has warned residents of Akute, Isheri, Mowe, Ibafo, Riverside Estate and other border communities between Lagos and Ogun states to relocate to avoid another flood disaster. The Commissioner for Environment in the state, Ola Oresanya sounded the alarm at a press conference in Abeokuta on Wednesday after a series of floods claimed lives and property in the state.
Oresanya said the warning has become mandatory following the 2023 warning from the Nigerian Meteorological Service.
The agency forecast flooding in the coastal areas of the state. They cited a reason to be the tidal closure of the Lagos Lagoon’s Ogun River due to natural sea-level rise. This is further coupled with the potential for excessive water discharge from the Oyang Dam.
Oresanya warned state residents to prepare for flash floods as 3,646 mm of rain is expected from April to November. He recalled that in 2022 the country recorded its worst-ever floods. It killed more than 600 people and displaced over 2.4 million.
The state also warned residents of 23 flood-prone communities to take urgent precautionary measures to reduce its impact.
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.”
cc: Punch Ng
