Residents across several Ondo State communities are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding that struck last weekend, leaving homes submerged and property destroyed. The heavy rains that fell on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday triggered floods in Owo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, and Ese Odo Local Government Areas, causing extensive damage estimated to be worth millions of naira.
The floodwaters inundated buildings and bridges in communities including Uso, Ayeka, Ikoya, Igbodigo, Igodan, and Igbotako. One affected resident from Okitipupa, Mr. Joshua Jemiloni, explained the cause of the flooding: “The flooding was caused by erosion flowing down from Igodan, coupled with the fact that the Igodan stream along the road overflowed its banks during the torrential downpour. It affected about 10 buildings. But we quickly ran out with our wives and children to seek refuge in safer neighbouring houses. Apart from damaging the walls and foundations of some buildings, we lost valuables such as electronics, clothing, bedding, chairs, rugs, and kitchen utensils to the flood.”
Mr. Jemiloni further pointed out that although the canal had been dredged earlier this year, debris blockage contributed significantly to the flooding. “The canal was dredged earlier this year, but it has been blocked by debris, which I believe led to the flooding,” he added, appealing for urgent government action to clear the waterways.
Lawrence Awanebi, a community leader in Igbodigo, expressed shock at the scale of destruction and emphasized the need for immediate assistance for displaced residents. “Many residents have been rendered homeless as a result of the incident, we are calling on the government to assist in this regards,” he said.
Market trader Mrs. Stella Ojo from Okitipupa also highlighted the destruction of homes and urged the government to tackle the underlying causes of frequent flooding in the state.
Local government chairman of Owo, Tope Omolayo, has appealed for support from federal and state authorities, stating, “We are calling on the Federal Government to assist our people because the damage is beyond what the local government can handle alone.”
In response, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa assured that the state government has initiated measures to mitigate flooding by dredging waterways and enforcing environmental sanitation laws. “As a government, we shall continue with initiatives that will reduce the effects of flood and other natural disasters by dredging our waterways and enforcing environmental sanitation laws,” he affirmed.
Okay.ng reports that the situation remains critical as affected communities await relief and rehabilitation efforts.
