Farmers around wetlands and river banks in Ogun State have been advised to complete their harvesting before the flash flood in July and a high intensity rainfall by September, 2021 to avert loss of crops and livestock to flooding.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya made the call in Abeokuta during a press briefing to intimate members of the public on the weather forecast in the coming months of the year.
The state government hereby alerted its residents, warning them to guide against any act that may precipitate flooding as predicted in the metrological report by the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA).
The agency had earlier named the state as one of those that would experience flooding this year.
According to Oresanya, the agency’s report stated that there would be flash flood in July and a high intensity rainfall by September, 2021, which would result into river flooding, as the soil would have been saturated by then, coupled with the likely release of water from Oyan Dam.
He urged the people to ensure proper clearing of drainage channels within their domain and desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse into the water ways, affirming that the unwholesome attitude had been responsible for major flooding incidences.
He said: “People residing in flood-prone areas, especially those in Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Obafemi Owode, Ijebu-Ode, Ifo, Odeda, Ado-Odo/Ota, Sagamu, Ijebu-East and Ogun Waterside Local Government Areas are to make necessary provisions to avoid severe impact of the natural occurrence.
“Farmers around wetlands and river banks should complete their harvesting before the above stated time to avert loss of crops and livestock to flooding.
“Pedestrians and motorists should also be cautious of high volume of storm water during this period.”
Contributing, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile who announced government’s effort in creating Flood Emergency Management Unit, said it could be reached on 08036401944 or 09010480056 in case of any environmental emergency.
