Ogun will experience flooding, July, September, govt advises residents to vacate flood plain areas

The Ogun State Government has alerted residents of impending flooding in the months of July and September, as a result of heavy rainfall the state would be experiencing based on a metrological report.

The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, disclosed this at a ministerial press conference held on Tuesday, at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Governor’s Office, Abeokuta, saying that the development became imperative for government to alert residents on the dangers inherent in flooding, and moves to prevent it.

Oresanya, flanked by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile, the Special Adviser on Works, Engr. Akeem Adesina and the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL Tunji Odunlami, explained that the level of rainfall per day during the months would be more than 30mm per day.

The governor’s aide said the yearly rainfall is a natural occurrence, urging residents in some identified areas in Abeokuta South and North; Ijebu-Ode; Ifo; Obafemi Owode; Odeda to vacate their abodes temporarily for a safe environment during the period.

He equally advised farmers around wetlands and river banks to harvest their livestock and crops by August before the high rise in water level.

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He said “The Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) metrological report predicted that Ogun State will experience flooding this year. And knowing the devastating impact of the previous flood disaster in the State, residents of the state are advised to prepare for flash floods during the month of July, especially 8th and 15th July 2021.

“Also a high-intensity rainfall is being expected in September 2021 that will result into a fluvial flood (river flood) because the soil would have been saturated by then and likely release of water from Oyan Dam will compound the rise in water level.

“Residents are hereby advised to temporarily make provision for a safe environment to avoid the severe impact of this natural event.”

Oresanya also advised pedestrians and motorists to be cautious on the road while walking and driving to avoid accidents as the roads according to him would witness a high volume of stormwater that would subside within minutes.

He added that the State government had embarked on the delisting of drainage channels across the state, clearing of waterways to allow free flow of the rivers and streams, to mitigate the potential risk at the period.

Oresanya also informed that the State Ministry of Environment had constituted a State Flood Emergency Management Unit in case of any emergency.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

Ogun will experience flooding, July, September, govt advises residents to vacate flood plain areas