LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Residents of Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State have been advised to stay vigilant following forecasts of intense rainfall, thunderstorms and temporary flooding that could disrupt transportation, damage infrastructure, and increase health risks in vulnerable communities.
Government officials warned that the new rainy season is expected to be heavier and may trigger possible health and environmental concerns across the state if proper safety measures are ignored.
Therefore, the Oyo State Government through the Commissioner for Environment Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, issued a fresh weather advisory reporting high-intensity rainfall in the coming weeks.
Speaking in Ibadan, Aderinto said the ground across many parts of the state remains hard after the dry season, preventing rainwater from easily soaking into the soil.
As a result, excess water is expected to flow rapidly across roads, drainage systems, and nearby communities.
Aderinto urged residents to stay calm, explaining that the predicted flood would only be temporary.
However, the Commissioner warned that the temporary flooding could become destructive if residents block waterways or interfere with drainage channels already cleared by the government.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Faces Growing Call For Better Lupus Care, Early Diagnosis
He also called for an immediate stop to illegal dredging, dumping of refuse in drainage systems, and other activities capable of disrupting the natural flow of water.
Furthermore, environmental experts believe changing weather patterns linked to climate change are increasing the frequency of heavy rainfall and extreme heat conditions across many states in Nigeria.
Such conditions can worsen road damage, increase accident risks, trigger waterborne diseases, and place vulnerable residents under heat stress.
In addition, Hon. Aderinto revealed that occasional heat waves may occur during the transition into the peak rainy season, with temperatures expected to rise between 33°C to 35°C.
Residents were encouraged to drink enough water, stay in cool places, avoid long exposure to direct sunlight, and seek shade whenever necessary to reduce heat-related health complications.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring environmental conditions and maintaining free water flow across the state.
Ultimately, Oyo state residents were also urged to remain vigilant throughout the season by keeping drainage paths clear, follow weather updates from official channels, and take proactive safety steps to protect themselves from possible climate-related emergencies.
