In response to distress alerts received from some communities impacted by the massive flooding ravaging communities along river banks in Kosofe and part of Ikorodu Local Government Areas of Lagos State occasioned by the Oyan dam water being released by Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority(ORBDA), NEMA lagos Territorial Office LTO, LASEMA and the Disaster Management Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, on 23rd October, 2024 carried out an impact assessment of the flood situation. This was to determine the extent of the flood and ascertain whether there is need for immediate humanitarian assistance for the affected population.
Bearing in mind, the extensive rising water level that has caused inundation of some communities along the river channel, the assessment team visited communities such as Isheri, Agiliti 2, Agboyi, Ajegunle, Itowolu, Majidun and Odo-Ogun in Kosofe and Ikorodu LGAs. At Isheri, the team met some community leaders and was informed that what they need is dredging and building of embarkment by the state government to prevent future flooding.
As the water level continue to rise, combined with the daily rainfall, all the communities along this channels have been completely flooded causing submergence of houses, displacement of people from their houses and disruption of socio-economic activities. It has further created serious challenges as most of the inner roads leading to various streets are not accessible except through canoe. Residents that are still on ground informed the assessment team that some of the residents who fled their homes are taking refuge with friends and loved ones. The state had earlier called for people to relocate to higher grounds without getting getting positive response, the effect of the flood has also disrupted means of Livelihood and there is lack of basic amenities.
The Agency is working with relevant Stakeholders in mobilizing and coordinating resources for immediate Humanitarian response for the affected communities
