RESIDENT of several communities in Ondo State are now counting their losses following the destruction of their homes and property after a three-day heavy downpour that resulted in severe flooding.
Many roads, bridges and houses were damaged and residents displaced, markets closed, and socioeconomic activity paralysed as a result of the devastating effects of the flood.
Some of the affected communities include Uso, Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, and Akoko South West Local Government Areas, with many motorists stranded due to the collapse of several bridges.
For instance, in Okitipupa local government, affected communities include: Ayeka, Ikoya, Igbodigo, Igodanlisa, Igbogunrin, Igbotako, and Ilutuntun.
The same situation obtains in the riverine Ilaje communities, where the Naval Base in Igbokoda and the council headquarters were submerged, while other coastal communities such as Ilare, Omonira, Aboto, Ikuomola, and areas in Mahin and Ugbo were similarly ravaged.
Many of the residents of communities affected who spoke with our Correspondent called on the state government, federal authorities, and humanitarian agencies to come to their aid, as life has become unbearable for them.
They also appealed to the government for intervention to rebuild damaged infrastructure and implement long-term flood control measures such as drainage construction, dredging, and improved town planning.
Also speaking, Adeyori Ojo from Igbokoda described how he narrowly escaped with his family as floodwaters surged through Broad Street during the early morning rainfall.
The Chairman of Owo Local Government, Tope Omolayo, described the damage done by the flood in Uso as devastating. He appealed to the federal and state governments, as well as intervention agencies, to respond quickly to the plight of the victims.
While speaking at his palace during a visit by a delegation of the state government, the traditional ruler of Uso, the Oloba of Uso, Oba Ademola Oyinbade, expressed dismay that the flood has rendered socioeconomic activities in the area paralysed. He equally appealed to the government to address the menace permanently.
A rural farmer in the area, Joseph Ijigba, lamented that he could not go to farm while the local market did not open because the access road from the farm had been cut off by flood.
The Permanent Secretary in the office of the deputy governor, Idowu Ojo, expressed sympathy with the victims of the flood.
He promised the people that the government would provide relief materials for the victims. He also appealed to the residents to avoid dumping refuse in rivers and the drainage system.