By DAYO ADESULU
- Heavy Downpour Leads to Property Destruction Worth Millions in Ondo State
This past weekend, Ondo town in Ondo State experienced severe flooding that wreaked havoc, displacing numerous residents and causing damage estimated in millions of naira. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties from the incident, which has raised concerns about infrastructure and disaster preparedness in the area.
- Heavy Rains Trigger Widespread Flooding
The flooding was triggered by a torrential downpour that lasted several hours on Friday. Key areas affected by the flood include Itanla, Oka, Odo Ijomu, Bethlehem, and the Akure-Ondo Expressway. Reports indicate that many homes and vehicles in these neighborhoods were submerged, leading to significant property loss.
- Government Response and Evacuation Efforts
In response to the disaster, the Ondo State government quickly initiated evacuation procedures in the impacted areas. Environment Commissioner Oyeniyi Oseni announced that rapid response measures were implemented to prevent further damage from the flooding.
Oseni stated, “The government has put every necessary machinery in place to avert future flooding.” This includes deploying Amphibious Excavators to critical erosion-prone zones for effective dredging.
- Addressing Underlying Causes of Flooding
The commissioner pointed out that the flooding was exacerbated by illegal developments along waterways, particularly in an estate at Fagun and the Ife Road area of the community. He emphasized that the ministry would collaborate with relevant government sectors to address these unlawful developments, which pose significant risks to the community’s infrastructure and safety.
As Ondo town begins the recovery process, the recent flooding serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by heavy rains and inadequate urban planning. The government’s swift response and commitment to addressing the underlying causes of flooding will be crucial in safeguarding the community against future disasters. Residents are urged to stay informed about ongoing recovery efforts and government initiatives aimed at improving flood management in the region.