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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Disasters & Emergencies

Ogun warns residents as heavy rain and flooding threaten vulnerable communities

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

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  • Ogun State warned residents that intense September rainfall could cause river and coastal flooding in vulnerable communities.
  • The state advised people in several inland, coastal and river-floodplain areas to remain alert and relocate if necessary.
  • Officials also urged fish farmers in flood-prone areas to harvest their stocks promptly to limit potential losses.

Ogun State has issued a fresh flood warning ahead of the second phase of Nigeria’s 2026 rainy season, urging residents in vulnerable communities to stay alert and move to safer areas when necessary.

Environment Commissioner Ola Oresanya said the warning followed a Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecast that identified Ogun among the states expected to receive heavy rainfall. The first phase, from mid-March through July, brought intense rain and isolated flash floods, but the state said the impact remained comparatively limited.

Oresanya attributed that outcome to public awareness campaigns, regular maintenance of rivers, streams and drainage channels, and improvements in waste management. He said officials had paid particular attention to waterways including the Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams.

Particular attention had been given to major river channels and waterways, including Sokori River and its tributaries, Opa-Aro, Adiyan, Eruwuru, Yemule, Gbogidi Canal and Ijamido rivers and streams, among others.

— Ola OresanyaOgun’s environment commissioner listed waterways covered by the state’s flood-prevention measures.

The seasonal forecast indicates that the second phase will begin in September, with rainfall expected to average about 360 millimetres during the month. Rainfall in inland areas is expected to decline from October into early November. However, prolonged rain, controlled releases from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations could slow the Ogun River and increase the risk of river and coastal flooding.

Residents in Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, along with parts of Abeokuta, were advised to remain vigilant. The warning also covers coastal communities in Ogun Waterside, Ijebu East and Ipokia, as well as communities along the floodplains of the Ilo and Iju rivers. Fish farmers in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase, Ayegbami and other exposed areas were urged to harvest promptly.

The combined effect could result in temporary oversaturation of wetlands and floodplains, increasing the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.

— Ola OresanyaThe commissioner explained how rainfall, dam overflow and tides could worsen flood risks.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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