The Ondo State Directorate of National Orientation Agency (NOA) has expressed sympathy with the residents of Ondo city following the devastating flash flood that occurred on Friday after heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in the Ancient City.
State Director James Adekunle described the incident as a natural disaster and urged residents to take precautionary measures to prevent casualties.
“The Federal Government warned that 148 local government areas in 31 states are at risk of flooding during torrential rainfall till November,” he noted.
Adekunle’s statement comes after the opening of the Lagdo Dam in neighboring Cameroon, which is expected to worsen the flooding situation in River Benue and River Niger.
Adekunle appealed to residents not to panic, assuring that the state government has ordered immediate intervention.
He advised:
– Those living in floodplains to relocate to upland areas
– Residents to seek information about flood-prone zones in the city
– Creation of emergency plans
– Elevation of utilities
– Familiarization with evacuation routes
– Avoidance of wading into water during rainfall
Meanwhile, Ondo State Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has visited flood-affected areas in Akure to sympathize with victims and assess the situation for possible intervention.
