Osun Raises Fresh Flood Alert in Ilesa, Otan-Ayegbaju, Iragbiji, Others

The Osun State Government has issued a fresh flood warning to residents of Ilesa, Otan-Ayegbaju, Iragbiji, and adjoining communities, urging them to take precautionary measures against possible flooding.

General Manager of the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), Mr. Biola Oni, said the advisory followed updated predictions from the Federal Ministry of Environment through its Department of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, as well as the National Flood Early Warning Centre.

He explained that the forecast released on Thursday, September 11, reaffirmed an earlier warning of September 9, indicating that the listed areas may experience heavy rainfall between September 11 and 13, with the likelihood of severe flooding.

In a statement made available to journalists, Oni stressed that the safety of citizens remains a priority of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration. He disclosed that the government had commenced preventive measures, including the clearing and dredging of rivers, streams, and waterways across the state, to mitigate the impact of flooding.

“OSEMA has also embarked on statewide sensitisation campaigns on flood preparedness and safety. We remain deeply concerned about the potential impact of flooding and are committed to ensuring that no life is lost,” he said.

The agency appealed to residents of flood-prone communities to heed official advisories, remain vigilant, and prioritise both personal and communal safety, emphasising that “prevention is always better than cure.”