Content:The Ogun State Government has issued a flood alert to residents living in flood-prone communities, urging them to relocate to safer areas as the Ogun River is expected to overflow its banks between October 20 and November 3. The warning follows the anticipated increase in water levels due to persistent rainfall and the controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam.
Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, explained that the development is a result of consistent heavy rains in the northern parts of the country, which has significantly raised inflows into the dam. He assured that the state government is working closely with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority to manage the release of water and minimize the impact on affected communities.
According to Oresanya, areas most at risk include Magboro, Akute, Isheri, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, Alagbole, and several parts of Abeokuta such as Lafenwa, Iberekodo, Adedotun, Enugada, and Ago-Odo. He advised residents in these low-lying communities to move to higher grounds before the flooding worsens.
He also urged fish farmers in the affected areas to harvest their fish early to prevent losses, noting that while the dam released about 17,000 million litres of water daily last year, this year’s release has been reduced to 12,000 million litres to help control flooding.
Oresanya assured that the water level is expected to recede within ten days and called on residents not to panic but to remain alert and adhere to safety directives. He emphasized that Ogun’s geographical position as a coastal state makes it highly susceptible to flooding, hence the need for proactive measures and community cooperation.
