ABEOKUTA: The Ogun State Government has issued a flood warning, urging residents of several riverine and coastal communities to relocate to safer areas as heavy rains and rising water levels threaten lives and property.
Communities at risk include Isheri, Warewa, Akute, parts of Abeokuta, Ayetoro, Itele, Iju, and coastal areas such as Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara (Ogun Waterside), Ebute-Imobi (Ijebu East), Tungeji Island, and Agosasa in Ipokia Local Government Area.
According to the State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the flooding is expected to be triggered by a combination of river overflow, sea level rise, tidal lock, and inflow from the northern part of Nigeria and neighbouring countries such as Benin.
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He warned that the situation could worsen with the release of water from the Oyan Dam.
This overflow, which will last for about two weeks, marks the second phase of flooding usually recorded between September and November each year, Oresanya explained in the midterm flood alert.
The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast September to record the highest rainfall at 204mm, followed by 190mm in October, with levels easing to 93mm by November.
To mitigate risks, the commissioner assured that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is on high alert, with evacuation and relocation plans already in place.
He added that the Ministry of Environment is working closely with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to regulate water release from Oyan Dam.
Oresanya also advised residents to refrain from using boreholes and well water during the flood period due to likely contamination.
Fish farmers operating on flood plains, particularly in Eriwe and Yemule (Ijebu Ode), Ilase, and Ayegbami (Yewa), were urged to harvest their produce immediately to avoid losses.
The government is fully prepared, but we need the cooperation of residents to prevent avoidable disasters, the commissioner stressed.
