The Ogun State Government has issued a critical flood alert, urging residents living in flood-prone communities near the Ogun, Ilo, Iju, Owa, and Yemule rivers to relocate immediately to safer areas as heavy rainfall and rising water levels threaten lives and property.
According to a midterm flood alert released by Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the warning comes in response to anticipated overflow from major rivers, tidal lock, and sea water rise triggered by high rainfall, as well as water inflow from northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries like Benin Republic into Ogun and Lagos States.
“That of the Ogun River may be compounded by the release of water from the Oyan Dam,” Oresanya warned.
Residents of the following high-risk communities have been specifically advised to evacuate; Isheri, Warewa, Akute, and parts of Abeokuta, Ayetoro, Itele, Iju, Coastal and low-lying areas such as Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara (Ogun Waterside), Ebute-Imobi (Ijebu East), Tungeji Island, and Agosasa (Ipokia LGA)
Oresanya explained that the flood alert marks the onset of the second phase of seasonal flooding, which typically occurs between September and November each year. This phase is expected to last for at least two weeks.
The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has predicted peak rainfall in September at 204mm, followed by 190mm in October, and a reduction to 93mm by November.
To mitigate the risk, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been placed on red alert to assist with emergency evacuation and provide temporary shelters across affected local government areas.
The Ministry of Environment is also working in coordination with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to monitor the release of water from Oyan Dam to minimize its downstream impact.
The commissioner also issued important health and livelihood advisories; including avoidance of borehole and well water during this period due to possible flood-related contamination. He called on fish farmers operating on flood plains, particularly in Eriwe, Yemule (Ijebu Ode), Ilase, and Ayegbami (Yewa area), to harvest their stock immediately to prevent massive losses due to rising water levels.
“The time to act is now. The safety of lives and properties must come first,” Oresanya said.
