Heavy downpours in Ondo State have led to the collapse of bridges within several communities in various parts of the state, leaving residents unable to access their farms, markets, and workplaces.

The torrential rain, which has been falling for the past week, has caused devastating floods in the Uso community in the Owo Local Council Area of the state, as well as in communities in Akoko South West, Ilaje, Ese Odo, and Okitipupa local councils.

With the development also affecting many houses, livelihoods, and properties worth millions of naira, residents of the affected communities described the flood as unprecedented due to the magnitude of destruction caused by the downpour.

While appealing to the state government and relevant agencies for support with relief materials and financial assistance to rebuild their lives and businesses, the affected residents disclosed that the flood was more devastating due to blocked drainage systems in the communities.

Zebulon Emaye, a community leader in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Council, described the disaster as the worst in the town’s history. He stated that the lack of proper drainage and poor street layouts in the town contributed to the situation.

Also, a resident of Okitipupa, Jonathan Akintunde, emphasised the need for those who have been rendered homeless to, as a matter of importance, be catered for.

“The amount of rainfall that we have witnessed in the last few days has been staggering. The rain is falling in back-to-back showers, with residents unable to salvage their belongings from flooded houses.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Owo Local Council, Tope Omolayo, during an inspection of the damage, appealed to the Federal Government, the state government, and relevant emergency agencies to intervene swiftly.

According to him, the damage was beyond what the local government could handle on its own.

Also, the Chairman of the Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ayo Ajana, ordered the immediate clearing of blocked drainage systems in Oba-Akoko following the devastating incident triggered by the heavy rainfall.

Ajana, who described the situation as alarming, with floodwaters rising rapidly and putting nearby homes at risk, directed that immediate work should start to clear the blocked drainage channels to prevent further damage to lives and property.