The Ogun State Government has told residents living near several rivers to move to safer places because of a high risk of flooding. The warning is for people in communities like Isheri, Warewa, Akute, parts of Abeokuta, and several coastal towns.
This alert comes due to expected overflowing from rivers and rising sea levels. The problem is caused by very heavy rainfall and water arriving from northern parts of Nigeria and neighbouring countries. The situation for the Ogun River may be made worse by the planned release of water from the Oyan Dam.
Ola Oresanya, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, explained that this overflow is part of the second phase of seasonal flooding, which usually occurs from September through November every year and could last for two weeks.
He also gave an important safety warning, saying, “We urge residents in these communities to avoid the usage of their boreholes and well waters during this period,” as they could be contaminated by flood water.
The commissioner assured people that the State Emergency Management Agency is on red alert and ready for any emergency evacuations. The government is also working with water authorities to reduce the impact of the water released from the dam.
A special warning was also given to fish farmers working on flood plains, advising them to harvest their fish immediately to avoid them being washed away.
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