On Friday, flooding in Ondo State resulted in extensive property damage estimated in the millions. Several communities, including Itanla, Oka, Odo Ijomu, Bethlehem, and areas along the Akure-Ondo Expressway, were particularly hard hit following hours of heavy rainfall.
The deluge submerged homes and vehicles, forcing many residents to evacuate their properties. In response to the crisis, the state government has initiated evacuation efforts and mobilized a rapid response team to mitigate further damage.
Mr. Oyeniyi Oseni, the state Commissioner for Environment, issued a statement on Saturday detailing the government’s actions. He assured residents that measures are being implemented to prevent future flooding incidents.
The government has deployed amphibious excavators to key erosion-prone areas in an effort to dredge and clear waterways. Oseni also noted that the recent flooding can be partly attributed to unauthorized developments on waterways, particularly in the Fagun estate and along the Ife Road.
To address these issues, the Ministry of Environment plans to collaborate with other government agencies to tackle illegal constructions along the waterways.
For real-time updates, join our WhatsApp channel: WhatsApp Channel.