Floodwaters Engulf Ondo: Hundreds Displaced, Houses Underwater

Flood Displaces Hundreds in Ondo
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“The ministry is doing everything within its capacity to ensure residents are safe...”

Nigeria Floods: Ondo State Bears Brunt of Rainy Season - Displacement, Destruction & Evacuation Efforts.

Ondo State's Ondo town was inundated by a disastrous flash flood on October 4, displacing residents and destroying property. The deluge submerged houses, vehicles, and critical infrastructure.

The torrential rain began unexpectedly on Friday, catching residents and motorists off guard as they went about their daily routines. Although no lives were lost, many returned home to find their properties inundated with water, compounding the disaster.

The flood's impact was exacerbated by overflowing canals and bridges, which caused electric poles to collapse, posing a significant risk of electrocution to displaced residents.

Torrential rains brought Ondo town to a standstill, causing gridlocks and stranding motorists on flooded roads. Vehicles were bogged down, unable to move, as the deluge overwhelmed the city's infrastructure.

A frustrated motorist, trapped in the floodwaters, described the situation as “a major disaster.” In an emotional interview, he highlighted the dire plight of drivers, saying, “The severe water buildup has made it impossible for us to move forward.”

The motorist said, “we are stuck in traffic because of the flood.

“As I speak with you, many of us are stuck and we can't even move ahead.

“It is a big disaster and many cars have been submerged, including stores and houses in Ondo town.

“Some of us have resulted in self-help to pave way for drivers.”

Commissioner for Environment Oseni Oyeniyi was unavailable for comment regarding the recent flooding incident in Ondo State. However, an aide, who chose to remain anonymous, confirmed that the ministry had received notification about the flooding. This confirmation comes after the state government ordered the evacuation of residents following the flood that hit some parts of Ondo town on Friday, October 4, 2024.

The flood, triggered by heavy rainfall, caused widespread destruction, submerging houses and vehicles in affected areas, including Itanla, Oka, Odo Ijomu, Bethlehem, and the Akure-Ondo Expressway. Fortunately, no lives were lost. In response, the Ondo State Government has sympathized with the affected communities, promising swift action to address the situation. The government has also begun assessing the cause of the flooding to prevent future occurrences.

“We got informed about the incident a few hours ago.

“The ministry is doing everything within its capacity to ensure residents are safe,” he said.

The devastating flood in Ondo State comes just weeks after the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) issued a warning to communities, especially those near waterways, to relocate to higher ground in anticipation of the rainy season. This timely warning was part of NEMA's efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding, which has become a recurring issue in Nigeria.

In fact, NEMA has been proactive in assessing flood risks and providing support to affected states. The agency recently conducted on-the-spot assessments of flood disasters in several states, including Cross River, Kebbi, and Adamawa. These efforts demonstrate NEMA's commitment to disaster risk reduction and response.

It's essential for communities to take heed of NEMA's warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. By working together, we can minimize the effects of flooding and build a culture of preparedness and resilience.

Key Highlights:

• Flash flood hits Ondo town, Ondo State, on October 4
• Houses and vehicles submerged, residents displaced
• Canals and bridges overflow, electric poles collapse
• No fatalities reported, but properties severely damaged