The Ondo State Government has stated that its resources are insufficient to tackle the ongoing sea incursion in Ayetoro, located in the Ilaje Local Government Area, and is appealing for federal intervention. Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami made this announcement during an assessment visit by the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, to flood-affected areas in Ondo town.
Adelami highlighted the severe impact of the annual sea incursion, which has eroded half of the community. He stressed that the state government has made multiple appeals for assistance, emphasizing the urgent need to save the community and its residents.
In response to the recent floods, NEMA’s DG reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting affected individuals and communities. She urged the state government to enhance the opening of canals, improve drainage systems, and deploy mobile water supply facilities in the hardest-hit areas to prevent cholera outbreaks.
Umar noted that the flooding was a direct result of earlier warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). Since those forecasts, NEMA has been actively engaged in public awareness campaigns and mobilizing stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of flooding.