Residents of the state’s riverbank and wetland communities are being issued a flood alert by the Ogun State Government.
Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, and parts of Abeokuta like Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Adedotun, Akin-Olugbade, and Ago-Odo are among the likely affected areas.
The Ogun River overflowing, according to the government, is anticipated between October 20 and November 3rd.
The government linked the overflow to a controlled water release from Oyan Dam, according to the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya.
He explained that the dam’s water flow increased as a result of the country’s northernmost rainfall.
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He claims that this increase and rising tidal levels would cause water to be released, which could have an impact on nearby towns.
Oresanya urged people to take preventive measures to protect their lives and property while remaining cautious.
The commissioner advised people who reside along the riverbank to avoid flood-prone areas.
He also urged people living in wetland areas to temporarily raise their homes or move to higher ground.
Oresanya noted that the state government had continued to dredge and reopen Ogun River tributaries.
He claimed that this effort is intended to lessen the anticipated overflow pressure.
According to him, the government and the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority have worked closely together to ensure annual water releases.
According to Oresanya, “Over 17, 000 million litres of water were released daily at this time last year,” in comparison to the figures for this year and 2024.
Only about 12, 000 million litres of water have been released this year despite the heavy rain.
He claimed the figures demonstrated a cautious approach to managing the dam’s capacity and reducing flood risks.
However, the commissioner gave residents the assurance that the water level would drop in ten days.
He also made a plea to the locals to stay calm, claiming that the state was working hard despite climate change’s effects.
According to Oresanya, Ogun State is a natural conduit for the lagoon’s water flow from the country’s northern regions.
Source: Channels TV
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