Osun Intensifies Flood Risk Assessment as Rainfall Continues
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Osun State Government has stepped up efforts to assess flood risks across the state as rainfall continues, urging residents to take precautions and report situations that could endanger lives and property.
The government said residents, particularly those in flood-prone communities, should remain alert to changing weather conditions and follow official safety advisories.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, said the state was strengthening its assessment and preparedness measures in line with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s directive on flood management.
The statement noted that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in a bulletin issued on October 15, released a three-day weather forecast for October 16 to 18, covering Osogbo and other locations. It added that further showers and possible thunderstorms were forecast for the Ede area in the coming days.
Residents in low-lying communities and areas with a history of flooding were advised to exercise particular caution.
As part of the measures, the Director-General and Special Envoy of the Governor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy recently conducted a preliminary assessment in Ede North Local Government Area ahead of a proposed stakeholder meeting on flood management.
According to the statement, the exercise was intended to assess conditions at the community level, identify areas requiring attention and provide information to guide the state’s response.
The government said findings from the assessment would be considered alongside verified reports of flood incidents and relevant weather and hydrological information to determine appropriate interventions.
The exercise follows the flood-management directives issued by Adeleke on October 1, which include assessments of affected communities, inspections of damaged roads, bridges and culverts, and the clearing of major drainage channels.
The directives also provide for improved documentation of households affected by flooding and the development of a long-term Osun State Flood and Stormwater Master Plan.
The government said addressing flooding required sustained attention to drainage systems, road infrastructure, waste disposal, land-use planning and early-warning mechanisms, as well as cooperation among public institutions and residents.
It urged residents to keep drainage channels around their homes and businesses free of refuse and warned against dumping waste into waterways.
Motorists and pedestrians were also advised not to attempt crossing flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing channels, as the depth and force of the water could be difficult to judge.
Residents in flood-prone areas were encouraged to monitor water levels and move to safer locations if they noticed rising water. They were also advised to protect essential documents and valuables where possible.
The statement urged members of the public to report blocked drains, damaged culverts, unsafe bridges and rising floodwaters to their local government authorities and emergency responders.
It further advised residents to follow weather updates from NiMet and safety information from the Osun State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities.
Those confronted with rapidly rising floodwaters or immediate danger were urged to move to safer ground without waiting for further announcements and contact the appropriate emergency services.
The government also called on community leaders, transport operators, business owners and public institutions to support its efforts by reporting emerging risks and complying with safety advisories.
It assured residents that it would continue to strengthen flood-risk assessments and coordinate interventions aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.