Oyo issues flash flood alert following NiMet forecast

The Oyo State Government has alerted residents to an increased risk of flash floods throughout June 2026, based on forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

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High-intensity thunderstorms and heavy surface runoff could result in temporary road overflows and community flooding.

Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, stated in Ibadan that high-intensity thunderstorms and heavy surface runoff could lead to temporary road overflows and community flooding. He emphasized the need for residents to actively participate by ensuring that drains, gutters, and waterways around their homes are free of obstructions like plastic bottles and silt.

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While the State Government has intensified the clearing of critical drainage channels across the state, residents must also play their part by ensuring that drains, gutters and waterways around their homes and communities are free of plastic bottles, silt and other waste materials that obstruct the free flow of water.

The government is intensifying efforts to clear critical drainage channels across the state. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid driving or walking through flooded roads, especially at night, as flash floods can be deceptively powerful. Aderinto stressed that unauthorized dredging or construction activities that alter natural water channels or block drainage paths are violations of environmental laws and will face sanctions.

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Let me also advise motorists and pedestrians to avoid driving or walking through flooded roads, especially at night, as flash floods can be deceptive and powerful enough to sweep away vehicles and individuals.

Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are urged to take proactive measures, such as elevating valuable items and documents. Parents and guardians should keep children indoors during heavy rainfall. The government has activated emergency response contingency plans and calls for vigilance and safety consciousness throughout the rainy season.

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Parents and guardians are also advised to keep children and other vulnerable persons indoors during periods of heavy rainfall to reduce exposure to danger.