Residents along the Ogun River’s banks have been notified by the Lagos State Government to get ready to move as the Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority starts to release water from the Oyan Dam. This action was taken in response to worries about possible flooding in neighboring villages, and the administration is keeping a careful eye on the situation in coordination with Ogun State officials.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s rainfall forecasts, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency’s flood outlooks, and real-time hydrological data all played a role in the decision to release water from the dam, according to Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources.
Flooding might affect a number of communities along the Ogun River, including Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Owode, Ajegunle, and Odo-Ogun. As the water levels progressively increase, some inhabitants in neighborhoods like Isheri, which are located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, have already started to evacuate.
Although the Oyan Dam has a role in flooding, Wahab pointed out that more than 52 tributaries also raise the water levels in these regions. The hazards of flooding are greatly increased by the combination of dam releases and runoff from rain. To help ease the issue, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority has begun dredging along the Ogun River downstream.
To assist avert flood-related catastrophes, the Lagos State Government is still urging citizens to clean their drains and refrain from careless trash disposal. Furthermore, the government is still dedicated to collaborating with pertinent organizations to provide assistance to vulnerable populations, such as women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, throughout this period.
