River Sabri recedes, Godavari rises, authorities on alert

Residents living along the Osun River in Osogbo, Osun State are assessing the damage as rising water levels have submerged houses and farmlands in nearby communities. The situation emerged after a surge in rainfall over the past four days, which caused the river's volume to swell, leading to higher currents and overflow beyond its typical channel.

The Daily Post reported on Sunday that some residents along the riverbank have been affected, with some families evacuating their belongings and relocating to safer areas. Concerns are growing about the potential for further water level rises, prompting some affected residents to begin removing untouched possessions and valuables, fearing the water could continue to ascend.

One local, Fatai Akangbe, recounted how some families have temporarily moved out while keeping a close eye on the situation, especially in areas where floodwaters have entered residential buildings. He recalled a major flooding event in August 2018 and urged the state government and relevant authorities to address the Osun River's capacity before additional rainfall exacerbates the risk of further flooding.

The flooding has also impacted local farmers whose farmlands lie near the river. With portions of their cultivated areas submerged, farmers are beginning to calculate their losses, particularly for crops and other investments that could be lost if the water remains on the land for an extended period.

Residents linked the sudden rise in the river to the recent increase in rainfall, which has intensified water flow into the Osun River and heightened downstream currents. The situation has reignited calls for the dredging of the Osun River to enhance its capacity to handle increased water volumes and minimize the risk of its banks overflowing.

Pastoralist Babalola, the zonal leader of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Mount Zion Cathedral, implored the Osun State Government to swiftly undertake the dredging process, emphasizing that improved water flow could alleviate the pressure caused by heavy rainfall and reduce the likelihood of overflow.

In addition to residents, the state government and environmental authorities have been urged to assist affected households and farmers, while implementing measures to prevent future flooding. Recent climate change projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicate that heavy precipitation is expected to intensify as global warming progresses, heightening the risk of flooding in various regions of Africa.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has consistently provided rainfall and flood-related forecasts and warnings, projecting normal to above-normal rainfall in parts of Nigeria in the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction. The agency has also issued alerts concerning heavy-rainfall and flash-flood risks during the ongoing rainy season.