Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In a move to avert loss of lives and property amid the current raining season, Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has appealed to residents to vacate river banks and waterways in locations in Osun State.

The Federal Government agency warned there would be heavy rain between August and November 2020, resulting in flooding.

It was learnt that Olusegun Afolayan, Zonal Head of Operations for Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states, issued the caution when he went round flood-prone areas with his team and officials of State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), in Osogbo, the state capital.

Osun State is one of the 28 states Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) said would experience flooding in the year, he said.

Afolayan explained that “the only way to reduce effects of the predicted flooding is by allowing the water to flow its natural course without hindrance.

“We have high probable risk flood areas in Osogbo and Ila-Orangun, together with 14 other local governments.”

The NEMA Zonal Head of Operations, therefore, appealed to residents living close to river banks and waterways to leave the area before the rains begin in order to avoid losing lives and property.