In a news conference in Abeokuta on Thursday, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya said the warning became necessary to raise the consciousness of the residents over flooding and mitigate its impact.

“This year, NIMET in its predictions highlights the likelihood of a downpour with intensity ranging from 965mm to 1805mm which raises concern for communities nationwide that are already vulnerable to flooding and its possible impact,” the commissioner said.

“In continuation of the efforts of the government to minimize the occurrence of flood in the State, residents of Ijebu-Ode, Ota, Owode, Abeokuta, Onihale in Ifo, Sagamu, Iperu, and Ilishan are advised to be wary of flash flood expected between March and July,” Oresanya added.

“Meanwhile, those living on floodplains of Isheri, Akute, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Owa and Yemule River banks in Ijebu-Ode, Ifaara, Ebute-Oni, Ayede-Ayila, Makun, Iwopin and Igele in Ogun Waterside, Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East, Sokori, Arakanga and Onikoko River all in Abeokuta, Eruwuru, Eri, Ibu, Majopa, Odan and Sensen in Sagamu, and Ijamido, Ilo, Erukomu, Isakale, in Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area among others are advised to relocate to safer grounds before the coastal flood between September and November.”

The commissioner said the Ogun State Government has taken several measures to address the predicted flooding.

These include the de-silting of 988.3km of rivers/streams and drainage channels; and the construction of 698m in length of concrete drainages and culverts of various cross-sections.

“Presently, de-silting of rivers/streams and drainage channels, and construction of drainages and culverts are ongoing in various parts of the State to further reiterate the State Government’s determination to reduce the impact of flood in the State. The execution of the projects will commence in April, and this cut across three senatorial districts of the State,” Oresanya said.

Channels Television