By Yemi Olakitan
Lagos State cautioned people, especially those on the Ogun River, to prepare for severe floods caused by heavy rainfall and water release.
Tunji Bello, the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, stated October is the peak month for Ogun River flooding.
According to the Nigerian Metrological Services (NIMETearly-year )’s Seasonal Rainfall Pattern, the year’s rebound rainfall will peak in October.
Tunji Bello claimed the Ogun Oshun River Basin Development Authority’s discharge of water from Oyan Dam may worsen the issue by raising the Lagoon’s water level.
He stated that Ketu, Alapere, Agric, Owode onirin, Ajegunle, Alagbole, Kara, Isheri Olowora, Araromi Otun Orisha community, Agiliti, Maidan, Mile 12, Odo Ogun, Owode Elede, Agboyi I, II, and III must be vigilant and ready to move upland at any time.
He said Lagos State is also working with the Ogun Oshun River Basin Development Authority to minimise the impact of dam water on communities.
Bello noted that the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority reported releasing 670.7 million cubic metres (mcm) of water since January 2022.
He added that the water release projection from the Ogun Oshun River Basin, based on early year projections from NIMET and Nigerian Hydrological Services (NIHSA), aims to maximise reservoir space and release at a controlled and average rate of 5-6 million cubic metres per day to allow other major and uncontrolled tributaries to River Ogun to discharge into the sea.
Before closing the radial gates in 2022, the Ogun Oshun River Basin Authority would progressively release water from the Dam at 2-4 million cubic metres per day in November and December.
The Commissioner added that the warning is issued to avoid human casualties from high flooding near the Ogun River at this time.
