Several communities in Ondo State have been severely affected by torrential rainfall that has persisted for the past week, washing away bridges and roads and leaving residents stranded.
The devastating floods have hit multiple local government areas including Uso community in Owo Local Council Area, as well as communities in Akoko South West, Ilaje, Ese Odo, and Okitipupa local councils.
Residents are currently unable to access their farms, markets, and workplaces due to the destruction of critical infrastructure. Many houses have been submerged, with property worth millions of naira destroyed in what locals describe as an unprecedented disaster.
A community leader in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Council, Zebulon Emaye, called the flooding "the worst in the town's history." He attributed the severity of the disaster to lack of proper drainage systems and poor street layouts in the affected areas.
"The amount of rainfall that we have witnessed in the last few days has been staggering. The rain is back-to-back with those whose houses were flooded not able to salvage their belongings," said Jonathan Akintunde, a resident of Okitipupa.
Akintunde further appealed to the state government for immediate intervention: "We are appealing to the state government to please come to our rescue. The people need to be immediately taken care of because there is no sign of the rain stopping soon."
Affected residents have called on the state government and relevant agencies to provide relief materials and financial assistance to help rebuild their lives and businesses. Many highlighted that blocked drainage systems exacerbated the impact of the floods.
The meteorological forecast suggests that the rainy season may continue with intensity, raising concerns about further damage if immediate action is not taken to address the situation.
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