Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya on Thursday said: “This year, NIMET in its predictions highlights the likelihood of a downpour with intensity ranging from 965mm to 1805mm which raises concern for communities nationwide that are already vulnerable to flooding and its possible impact.”

He called on residents of Ijebu-Ode, Ota, Owode, Abeokuta, Onihale in Ifo, Sagamu, Iperu, and Ilishan to be wary of flash flood expected between March and July.”

Oresanya added that: “those living on floodplains of Isheri, Akute, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Owa and Yemule River banks in Ijebu-Ode, Ifaara, Ebute-Oni, Ayede-Ayila, Makun, Iwopin and Igele in Ogun Waterside, Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East, Sokori, Arakanga and Onikoko River all in Abeokuta, Eruwuru, Eri, Ibu, Majopa, Odan and Sensen in Sagamu, and Ijamido, Ilo, Erukomu, Isakale, in Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area among others are advised to relocate to safer grounds before the coastal flood between September and November.”

“Presently, de-silting of rivers/streams and drainage channels, and construction of drainages and culverts are ongoing in various parts of the State to further reiterate the State Government’s determination to reduce the impact of flood in the State.

The post Ogun Govt Warns Residents Of Isheri, Akute, Others of imminent Flooding appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, while commissioning the Koton Karfe Flood Control Project in Kogi State, assured Nigerians of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President for the welfare of Nigerians by taking proactive measures to mitigate occurrences of flood disaster and other related ecological problems through its intervention.

Director, Information and Public Relations, OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement stated that the Flood Control Project is part of Government’s efforts to forestall the recurrence of the 2022 flood with its attendant loss of properties and hardship on the people of Koton Karfe and its environs.

In his words:
“The 2022 floods, which ravaged various parts of the country, including Koton Karfe, resulted in untold human suffering and economic disruption. The repercussions of this disaster were felt far and wide, affecting not only the residents of this community but also disrupting vital routes that connect different regions of our country… It was in the light of these pressing realities that the Federal Government through N-HYPPADEC took decisive action to address the root causes of flooding and mitigate its impact here in Kogi and other states where the Commission operates.

The construction of the Koton Karfe Flood Control Project stands as a testament to Mr. President’s resolve to ameliorate the sufferings of the people it is meant to serve”.

SGF, who was represented by Mr Simon Tyungu, Director, SGF Main Office, commended the commitment of the National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) for the prompt execution of the project and encourage the Commission to replicate same gesture in other flood-prone communities across the country.

He urged the host community to actively participate in the maintenance and upkeep of this infrastructure to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring that the flood control measures remain effective and operational.

The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Salifu Joel Oyibo expressed gratitude to the Federal Government through its intervention projects which have ameliorated the plights of the good people of Kogi State as the project has brought to an end the recurrent flooding during rainy seasons. He also acknowledged Federal Government’s intervention efforts in addressing ecological problems in Lokoja, Ankpa, Okene, among others.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa said that the Commission through its comprehensive flood control mechanism was able to identify the root cause of the perennial flooding that has been ravaging the community, assuring that the project would put pay to the recurring incidence of flooding in the affected community.

The post Kogi State: FG Reiterates Commitment To Tackle Ecological Challenges appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

What this means is that Nigerians especially the ones in flood-prone areas must prepare.  In Lagos, the identified flood-prone areas include Ketu, Alapere, Agric, Owode Onirin, Ajegunle, Alagbole, Kara, Isheri Olowora, Araromi Otun Orisha community, Agiliti, Maidan, Mile 12, Odo Ogun, Owode Elede, Agboyi I, Agboyi II and Agboyi III. Residents in these areas must be on alert to relocate upland at any time.”

Around the River Niger bridge which joins Lagos to Onitsha and the rest of eastern Nigeria, sizable portions of surrounding communities have been submerged under water, crippling economic activity for many small traders and farmers.

The situation has been so dire that Sadiya Umar Farouq, Nigeria’s minister of humanitarian affairs, has asked five state governments to prepare to evacuate residents living along flood plains. In Anambra, one of those states, 76 people died trying to flee the flood after an escape boat capsized.

Be prepared! If you live in an area that’s susceptible to flooding—or even if you don’t—it’s a good idea to be prepared for the worst.

• Pay close attention to the radio, television, or your cellphone for official flooding updates. Know the difference between a flood “watch” and “warning”:
  • A flood watch means a flood is possible in your area.
  • A flood warning means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon—and you should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• Have an emergency survival kit on hand with at least three days of supplies for everyone in the household, including water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, portable or solar-powered phone chargers, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation, and personal hygiene items, and copies of important personal documents.
• Ensure your drainage systems (eq., ditches) are not clogged with debris; this could lead to flooding and property damage.

Flash Flooding

• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. Flash flooding is the most dangerous type of flooding by far, due to the sheer force and volume of flowing water that can accumulate.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas even without the typical warning signs, such as rain clouds or heavy rain.

When a flood warning is issued for your area, evacuate. Head for higher ground and stay there until you are told that the area is safe.

• If you have time prior to evacuation, secure your home. Bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to the highest part of the upper floor of your home.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can sweep you off your feet. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• “Turn around, don’t drown!” If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. People underestimate the force and power of water.
• Keep children out of the water.

Driving in Floods

Half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water.

• If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
  • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.
  • One foot of water will float many vehicles.
  • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles—including SUVs and pick-up trucks.

After a Flood

• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Avoid moving water.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

The post Learn How to Prepare for and Survive a Flood appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The incident, according to reports happened on recently  when the Okada man defied all warnings to cross to the other side but ended up being swept away.

A source said that the okada man was warned by the residents not to move from where he was until the flood calmed down but he was adamant. His two passengers out of fear for their lives escaped leaving the okada man alone on his bike.

“The bike rider was warned not to move but he was adamant. The two passengers he carried ran for their lives and left the scene. He had charged them just N100 to take them to their destination which was within the community. the source said.

The post See How Flood Swept Away Okada Man In Lagos (Video) appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.