The Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti state governments have embarked on flood mapping as a proactive measure against flooding in their respective states. This involves identifying flood-prone areas and investigating the factors contributing to vulnerability.

The initiative is a response to the anticipated heavy rainfall and potential flooding across the country as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

Ondo State Commissioner for the Environment, Tob Loko, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure, said that a comprehensive flood mapping exercise would safeguard vulnerable communities from recurring flood disasters.

Loko said the initiative reflected the state government’s commitment to adopting a preventive and data-driven approach to flood management. The commissioner urged residents of the state, especially those in high-risk areas, to cooperate fully with the state government officials as assessments and interventions commenced.

Also, the Administrative Secretary of the ministry, Olumide Kinga, said that since the beginning of the year, the ministry had sustained aggressive mechanical channelisation across the state.

The Senior Special Assistant on Volunteer Service, Adeolu Iwakun, said the state government had launched sensitisation programmes across multiple platforms to educate the public and guide them on response measures.

According to him, all local councils are also addressing flooding in their various areas within their capacity through a good drainage system. Also speaking in Osogbo, the General Manager, Osun Emergency Management Agency, Deola Oni, said the state government had deployed three swamp buggies across the state to dredge and clear waterways for flood prevention.

Oni said the three swamp buggies, operating permanently in Osun waterways, had helped in averting flood disasters in the state by clearing the way for the passage of water.

“It is a positive move on the part of the state government to prevent flood disasters, and we are always on the ground to give relief materials to any victim of such a disaster,” he said.

In Ekiti, the Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, said the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning had started marking illegal structures obstructing waterways for possible demolition across the state to further prevent flooding, and safeguard lives and property.

Afuye expressed regret that the state witnessed repeated and devastating cases of flooding, fire and thunder disasters that wreaked havoc in some towns in 2024 and 2025.

She said NiMet had predicted Ekiti State as one of the possible flashpoints for flooding in 2025, which also made it expedient for all local council chairmen in the state to begin taking decisive actions.