Date: 2018-09-08

kwara, downpour PROPERTY worth millions of naira was lost to flood caused by downpour on Thursday night in parts of the Ilorin metropolis, Kwara state.

The Tribune online gathered that the rain, which started at about 8:00 pm, poured Intermittently till early hours of Friday morning.

Some of the affected areas include Harmony Estate, Akerebiata, Gerin Alimi, Isale Koko, and Kulende among other parts of the metropolis.

It was gathered that the flood swept many vehicles, several metres away, from where they were parked in some areas.

Among affected victims of the flood were concrete block makers and traders who had outlets along the roads and selling such items as bagged food items, tailoring materials and household items, among other wares.

It was also gathered that chillers, used in refrigerating drinks by soft drink shop owners, were destroyed by the rain that entered their shops.

Residents of the affected areas, who spoke with journalists said that effect of the flood was more pronounced due to narrow drainages, which they said quickly filled up by the downpour, thus flooding the affected homes and shops.

Meanwhile, Kwara state government has advised residents of the state living along banks of River Niger to immediately relocate to safer areas to avoid loss of lives and property that could result from impending flooding.

The State Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Mr Amos Sayo Justus, who gave the piece of advice on Friday, said the directive followed the alert of looming flooding issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

He, therefore, called on residents of riverine communities in Lafiagi, Patigi, Jebba and other flood-prone areas in the state to immediately relocate to avoid casualties.

The commissioner assured that his ministry would ensure strict compliance, and also urged residents of the state to shun indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways.

NIHSA on Wednesday warned of possible flooding in seven states of the federation including Kwara. Other vulnerable states identified by the agency are Niger, Kebbi, Kogi, Delta, Anambra and Bayelsa.

The agency disclosed that both Kainji and Jebba dams were already spilling water downstream while the level of water in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital has exceeded the corresponding value in 2012.