The Ogun State Government has enjoined residents of the state not to panic due to the ongoing flash flood and advised them to stay calm and obey all advisories to mitigate its impact.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the assurance was deemed necessary pointing out that it’s a natural phenomenon and stressed that the information is necessary to prevent panic measures and remind residents of the advisories aimed at safeguarding lives and property during the rainy season when predictable flash floods are prevalent.
Residents were reminded to stay indoors when it’s raining or seek a safe place when on transit. Motorists and commuters were advised to avoid crossing flood paths until the flood recedes, usually within one or two hours.
Households and community leaders were also advised to ensure that all obstructions along drainage channels and canals are removed.
While warning residents to expect more torrential rains in the next three weeks, which marks the first peak of the rainy season, Oresanya informed citizens of the need to contact the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Flood Emergency Management Response Teams at the nearest local government in case of any emergency.
The Community Development Associations (CDAs) have also been mobilized as first responders for flood emergency management within their communities.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)