Oyo Govt Warns Residents Of Flash Flood Risk Across 33 LGAs
The Oyo State Government has alerted residents across the 33 Local Government Areas of the state to the heightened risk of flash floods and heavy rainfall in June 2026 following forecasts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
The warning was issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abdulmojeed Ademola Aderinto, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
According to the commissioner, the alert followed the latest High Impact Based Forecast released by NiMet, which predicted increased rainfall intensity, thunderstorms and possible flooding incidents in several parts of the country, including Oyo State.
Aderinto warned that high-intensity thunderstorms and heavy surface runoff could trigger temporary flooding in roads, streets and communities if precautionary measures are not taken promptly.
“High-intensity thunderstorms and heavy surface runoff could result in temporary road overflows and community flooding,” the commissioner stated.
He explained that the state government had already intensified efforts aimed at reducing the impact of flooding through the clearing and desilting of major drainage channels and waterways across the state.
However, he stressed that government efforts alone would not be sufficient without active cooperation from residents and community members.
According to him, blocked drainage systems caused by indiscriminate waste disposal remain one of the major causes of flooding in many urban and semi-urban communities.
“While the State Government has intensified the clearing of critical drainage channels across the state, residents must also play their part by ensuring that drains, gutters and waterways around their homes and communities are free of plastic bottles, silt and other waste materials that obstruct the free flow of water,” Aderinto said.
The commissioner also issued a safety advisory to motorists and pedestrians, urging them to avoid driving or walking through flooded roads, especially during heavy rainfall and at night.
He warned that flash floods can be extremely dangerous and deceptive, with strong currents capable of sweeping away vehicles, motorcycles and even pedestrians within seconds.
“Let me also advise motorists and pedestrians to avoid driving or walking through flooded roads, especially at night, as flash floods can be deceptive and powerful enough to sweep away vehicles and individuals,” he added.
Aderinto called on residents to support the government’s flood prevention efforts by complying with environmental regulations and reporting activities capable of worsening flooding situations.
He specifically warned individuals, land developers and construction companies against unauthorized dredging, land reclamation and construction activities that alter natural water channels or obstruct drainage paths.
According to the commissioner, such activities violate the environmental laws of Oyo State and could worsen flooding incidents in vulnerable communities.
He stated that the government would not hesitate to sanction individuals or organizations found engaging in illegal environmental practices capable of endangering lives and property.
The commissioner also urged residents living in low-lying areas, valleys and flood-prone communities to begin taking proactive safety measures ahead of expected heavy rainfall in the coming weeks.
He advised households to elevate valuable items, electrical appliances and important documents above floor level to minimize damage in the event of flooding.
Residents were equally encouraged to prepare emergency response plans and monitor weather updates regularly throughout the rainy season.
“Parents and guardians are also advised to keep children and other vulnerable persons indoors during periods of heavy rainfall to reduce exposure to danger,” Aderinto stated.
The commissioner assured residents that the Oyo State Government had already activated emergency response contingency plans to address possible flood emergencies across affected communities.
He said relevant agencies and emergency response teams had been placed on alert to respond swiftly to incidents arising from heavy rainfall and flooding.
Aderinto further urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and safety-conscious throughout the rainy season while cooperating with relevant authorities.
The latest flood alert comes amid increasing concerns over climate-related disasters and seasonal flooding incidents recorded in different parts of Nigeria during the rainy season.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that poor drainage systems, indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways and uncontrolled urban development continue to increase flood risks in many Nigerian cities.
In recent years, several states across the country have recorded significant losses of lives, destruction of homes, displacement of residents and damage to infrastructure following severe flooding incidents.
NiMet had earlier predicted that some states could experience above-normal rainfall in 2026, prompting authorities to intensify flood preparedness campaigns and public awareness programmes.
Stakeholders have continued to call for stronger environmental enforcement, improved urban planning and greater public compliance with sanitation regulations to reduce the impact of flooding nationwide.
Residents in flood-prone communities have also been encouraged to immediately report blocked drainage systems, erosion threats and emergency situations to appropriate government agencies for prompt intervention.
The Oyo State Government reiterated that preventing flood disasters requires collective responsibility and urged citizens to remain proactive throughout the rainy season to safeguard lives and property.
