Lagos State Government has alerted residents of the state, especially those residing on the banks of Ogun River, to be ready to protect themselves due to the intensity of flooding to be caused by heavy rainfall and the release of water from Oyan Dam.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, on Wednesday, adding that October is the peak period that may bring about flooding of the identified areas.

He said, “Going by the projection of the Seasonal Rainfall Pattern released early in the year by the Nigerian Metrological Agency, the peak of the resurgent rainfall for the year will be in October.

“The situation may also be worsened by the release of water from Oyan Dam by the managers, the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority which has increased the level of water of the lagoon.

“The identified areas include Ketu, Alapere, Agric, Owode Onirin, Ajegunle, Alagbole, Kara, Isheri Olowora, Araromi Otun Orisha community, Agiliti, Maidan, Mile 12, Odo Ogun, Owode Elede, Agboyi I, Agboyi II and Agboyi III must have to be alerted to relocate upland at any time.

“The advice is being given to avoid human casualty that may accompany heavy flooding that is projected around the Ogun River area around this time.”

Bello also explained that the state has worked in concert with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority to ensure that water released from the dam will have a minimal negative impact on the residents.