Severe flooding has devastated several communities across Nigeria, following prolonged heavy rainfall, with the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warning of continued thunderstorms and rainfall in the days ahead.
Ondo State: Homes Destroyed, Infrastructure Crippled
In Ondo State, a three-day downpour has left a trail of destruction in its wake. Entire communities in local government areas such as Uso, Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, and Akoko South West have been severely affected. Roads, bridges, and houses have been washed away, displacing residents and paralyzing socioeconomic activities. Several markets were forced to close, and many motorists were stranded due to the collapse of critical bridges.
Specific communities in Okitipupa LGA—including Ayeka, Ikoya, Igbodigo, Igodanlisa, Igbogunrin, Igbotako, and Ilutuntun—were heavily impacted. In the riverine Ilaje areas, the Naval Base and local council headquarters in Igbokoda were submerged, alongside other coastal settlements such as Ilare, Omonira, Aboto, Ikuomola, and communities in Mahin and Ugbo.
Residents are calling for urgent intervention. “Life has become unbearable,” one resident lamented, urging the federal and state governments, as well as humanitarian agencies, to rebuild damaged infrastructure and implement long-term flood mitigation measures such as drainage systems, dredging, and improved town planning.
Adeyori Ojo, a resident of Igbokoda, recounted how he narrowly escaped with his family as floodwaters surged through Broad Street in the early morning.
Tope Omolayo, Chairman of Owo Local Government, described the situation in Uso as “devastating” and appealed for immediate governmental and agency support.
During a visit by a state delegation, the Oloba of Uso, Oba Ademola Oyinbade, expressed deep concern over the paralysis of economic life in his domain. Rural farmer Joseph Ijigba added that he was unable to reach his farm, and the local market remained shut due to destroyed access roads.
The Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s office, Idowu Ojo, assured victims of government support and urged residents to stop dumping waste in rivers and drainage channels to reduce flood risk.
Kebbi State: Over 100 Houses Destroyed in Bunza
In Kebbi State, Zogirma village in Bunza Local Government Area was hit by torrential rainfall last Friday night, destroying over 100 houses and injuring many residents. Haruna Danmalam, a local resident, confirmed the scale of the destruction.
Malam Muhammed Umar Mawo, Secretary of Bunza LGA, visited the affected areas and expressed sympathy on behalf of the local government chairman. He promised that a detailed report would be submitted to the state government for necessary action.
Four additional villages in Arewa Local Government Area—Tungar Chindo, Tungar Kure, Feske Malabawa, and Feske Rafi—were also submerged. Over 60 homes, livestock, and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.
NiMet Issues Weather Advisory: More Thunderstorms Expected Nationwide
Amid the ongoing flooding, NiMet has forecast more rainfall and thunderstorms across the country between Monday and Wednesday. In its weather outlook released in Abuja, NiMet highlighted areas likely to experience heavy rain and advised Nigerians to take precautionary measures.
Monday Outlook:
• North: Morning thunderstorms expected in Taraba and Adamawa; later in Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and others.
• North-Central: Isolated afternoon thunderstorms in FCT, Kogi, Niger, Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa.
• South: Morning showers in Lagos, Ondo, Delta, and coastal states; widespread rain expected by evening.
Tuesday Forecast:
• North: Sunny morning, with afternoon storms in Bauchi, Taraba, Kebbi, Kano, and Adamawa.
• North-Central: Cloudy early; afternoon rains likely across Kwara, FCT, Benue, and Nasarawa.
• South: Morning showers in Cross River and Akwa Ibom; afternoon/evening rains in Ekiti, Imo, Enugu, Lagos, and others.
Wednesday Outlook:
• North: Morning rains in Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, and Kano; thunderstorms in Kebbi, Taraba, and Adamawa later.
• North-Central: Cloudy morning, followed by widespread rains later in the day.
• South: Cloudy start, with rain expected across the entire region by afternoon.
NiMet also cautioned against driving during heavy rainfall and urged residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms. It advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather updates for flight planning and warned the public to secure loose objects, avoid tall trees, and disconnect electrical appliances during storms.
For more updates, visit www.nimet.gov.ng.
