A torrential downpour has triggered severe flooding in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, submerging homes, cutting off major roads, and crippling commercial activity across the area.
THISDAY gathered on Saturday that the flooding began after hours of continuous rainfall on Friday, overwhelming poorly maintained or non-existent drainage systems in several parts of the ancient town.
Critical areas affected include Erinje, Ogungbo Junction, Ode Etikan, Ereke, Ayetitun, and Temidire, where roads were submerged, forcing many commuters and residents to abandon vehicles and trek through waterlogged streets. The flooding also reached the road leading to the home of the local government chairman, Andrew Ogunsakin.
One legal practitioner, Wale Omolegbon Odusola, captured and posted a short video on social media, showing scenes of devastation caused by the rising floodwaters.
Residents say the flood is not just a natural occurrence but a man-made disaster, blaming the situation on blocked waterways, poor town planning, and the lack of proper drainage infrastructure.
“It’s devastating. The whole place is flooded. We can’t access our homes, and the streets are now rivers,” said Adeleye Ibukun, whose house was submerged. “Most of the houses were built without drainage. This is the result of years of neglect.”
Another affected resident, Seyi Awoyemi Ige, said the floodwaters cut off access to his home entirely.
“Even those with cars can’t move. I had to take a motorcycle through the flood. We are pleading with the state government to urgently intervene. This is a disaster waiting to escalate.”
Local government chairman Andrew Ogunsakin confirmed the incident, stating that emergency visits had already been made to the affected areas and that immediate interventions were being planned.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier warned of heavy rainfall and windstorms in Ondo and 30 other states. The current situation has renewed calls for better urban infrastructure, proactive disaster preparedness, and enforcement of building regulations.
