The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA has again alerted the Kwara State government of impending floods especially in Ilorin metropolis.
Hajia Zainab Saidu, Head of NEMA Minna Operations Office, disclosed in a statement that this flooding is particularly expected in the state’s Ilorin West and Ilorin East Local Government Areas.
She said the two LGAs are expected to experience high flood within the months of July and November.
Saidu said the prediction is contained in the Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) early in the year.
“In this prediction, Ilorin West and Ilorin East LGAs are categorised among the areas termed as ‘High Flood Risk Areas’ which are foreseen to experience flood from July to the end of the year.
“Other LGAs like Patigi, Offa, Edu and Oyun, though termed moderate flood risk areas, may also experience high level of flood from July to November.
“It is pertinent to note that Kwara has started experiencing flood and windstorm in some of these areas, hence the need for the people to take serious precautions to avoid any further damage to properties and loss of lives,” she said.
Saidu urged residents of the state in all areas identified to ensure that drains are kept clean to avoid blockage of waterways and channels.
“Those living in flood plains and river banks must as a matter of urgency prepare to relocate to safer and higher grounds.
“This is because there is a strong sign that the water level along River Niger is rising and this will consequently raise the water level along its tributaries.
“This will therefore lead to an overflow of water on the riverbanks and that will have significant impact on the settlement around the rivers,” she said.
The NEMA official added that prevention is however the best form of remedy for disasters worldwide.
“This is why the people must take responsibility to heed these warnings in order to save their lives and properties,” said NEMA.
Meanwhile, the management of the Kwara State University, Malete, said it making efforts to provide a temporary access road to the institution after the collapse of the culvert at the Shao-Maletee intersection.
Registrar, Kikelomo Salle on Wednesday, said that the management has swung into action to ensure there is movement to and from the University.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the culvert collapsed after the heavy rains of Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Salle said the Kwara State Ministry of Works and Transport inspected the failed portion of the road immediately after the management of the University reported the development.
“Efforts are on to provide a temporary access road to commuters on the busy route, pending the construction of a new bridge,” Salle disclosed in a statement.