NIMET predicts heavy rainfall, flooding in Ogun

The Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), have predicted that Ogun State would witness two seasons of rainfall between April and December 2022.

The state, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Ola Oresanya, being a coastal State in the country would experience prolonged rainfall, that would be accompanied with flash flood in most part of the State.

The governor’s aide said the rainfall would come up in the months of June-July while the later coastal flooding may be compounded with the release of water from Oyan dam accompanied with high tide in the lagoon.

The state government has part of the preventive measures to prevent flooding and associated calamities during the period had advised its residents to prepare for the approaching wet period and support its efforts to keep the Gateway state free of flood.

Oresanya said rainfall should not be seen as a curse but a blessing, hence, the need to be adequately prepared for the season and tap into its opportunities.

Advising farmers and others inhabitants to be properly aware of the periodic weather, Oresanya charged them to take advantage of the season and also guide against any unfortunate occurrence.

He further implored those in the habit of dumping refuse on the road and in drainage channels to desist while appealing to residents in the flood-prone areas to take adequate steps in safeguarding the vulnerable members in their communities, such as children, the elderly and the handicapped.

The governor’s aide, however, encouraged Community Development Associations (CDA) to educate their members on the need to always and properly evacuate their drainages in order to remove properties constituting restrictions to drainage channels.

“Following these predictions, there is need for the general public, especially residents of the State to prepare for the likely impact of this year’s weather pattern.

“Consequently, residents in wetlands areas with low rainfall infiltration such as lsheri, Akute, Warewa, Oke-afa,Owa and Yemule Riverbanks in Ijebu-ode, Onihale in Ifo, Ogun Waterside, Ebute-Kimobi in Ijebu-East and those living near flood plains of Sokori, Arakanga and Onikoko-River in Abeokuta, Eruwuru in Sagamu, Ijamido, Isaka Owode-Yewa in Ado- Odo Ota Local Government are advised to take precautionary measures during its season.

“While reiterating the commitment to protection of lives and properties of residents of the State through various activities, the State Government has taken measures to control problem of flood Statewide.

“Farmers, especially along the coastal areas and riverbanks are implored to take advantage of the weather outlook and plan the planting and harvest properly to prevent damages to their crop and livestocks.

“Motorists and pedestrians are implored to be mindful of the peculiarities of the season and be safety conscious while commuting during this period.

“Furthermore, His Excellency, Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun MFR, has directed that the Flood Emergency Management Unit, FEMU be decentralized into all the Local Government Areas of the State for faster response to emergency calls during the raining season.

“Ogun State as an agrarian State, looks forward delightfully to the season of rainfall to support our investment in Agriculture, Afforestation and Climate Change Adaptation Programs.

“The need for effective collaboration with the Government to prevent devastation of improperly managed rainfall and consequences of flooding is therefore compelling.

“The season of rainfall is not a curse but a blessing. Please support the State government to keep our State free of flood,” Oresanya pleaded.

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