Oyo Issues Flash Flood Alert for Ibadan Residents in Akinyele, Egbeda, Oluyole LGA
Emergency agency urges residents to brace for heavy rainfall, possible flash floods in vulnerable areas of the state capital.
The Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) has issued a flash flood warning for residents in Ibadan, especially those in Akinyele, Egbeda, and Oluyole Local Government Areas, following a forecast of heavy rainfall.
The alert was announced in a statement by Mrs. Ojuolape Busari, Administrative Secretary of the agency, and released through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, on Friday in Ibadan.
According to the Flood Early Warning System, certain parts of Ibadan are expected to receive over 100 millimetres of rain within the next 24 hours, raising serious concerns about localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
Busari noted that the heaviest downpour is expected around the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Akinyele, the Ibadan Airport in Egbeda, and the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Oluyole.
“The advice has become imperative to activate local authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate the risk of flooding and avoid loss of lives, displacement, and significant damage to property and infrastructure,” she said.
She warned that flash floods could render roads impassable and make driving hazardous. Residents were strongly advised not to walk or drive through flooded streets.
“Turn around, don’t drown. If you live in a flood-prone area, be prepared to move to higher ground if instructed,” Busari urged.
OYSEMA said it is working in collaboration with the state Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.
The agency urged residents to stay informed, clear drainage systems, and cooperate with local emergency officials to reduce the risk of flood-related emergencies.
