The Lagos State Government has issued a flood alert to residents living downstream of the Ogun River, warning them of the potential for flooding this month and urging them to relocate to safer areas.
In a statement, the spokesman for the Ministry of Environment, Kunle Adeshina, identified several areas at risk, including Alagbole, Meiran, Maidan, Kara, Isheri-Olowora, Agiliti, Owode-Onirin, Owode-Elede, Agboyi I, Agboyi II, Ajegunle, Itowolo, Majidun, Ibeshe, Baiyeku, Maidan, Lekki-Ajah, and the Lagos Lagoon boundaries.
The government’s alert was prompted by a statement from the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority, which had warned of potential flooding due to increased rainfall.
The data showed a substantial increase in rainfall from 2021 to 2023, with 2023 experiencing higher rainfall, indicating an elevated risk of flooding.
The flooding alert follows reports of flooding in areas such as Ajegunle and Kara, and an additional warning from the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority regarding the operation of the Oyan Dam for potential flooding in September and October.
Citing statistical data released by the River Basin Authority, Adeshina explained that the cumulative rainfall from January to October 2023 had already reached a significant level.
The volume of water released during this period was also higher than the average synthesized Annual Flow volume, raising concerns about the potential for flooding.
