Meteorologist Tasks Coastal Communities On Flooding

A meteorologist, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa in Lagos has urged people living in coastal areas to put in place necessary flood adaptation measures to prevent devastating storms during the rainy season.

In an interview with newsmen yesterday, the meteorologist, however, said that the rainfall distribution pattern forecast for this year indicated that there would be a reduction in flooding in coastal communities.

“From the even monthly rainfall distribution forecast for this year, there is indication that flooding would be reduced in coastal areas like Lagos and others, compared to past years.

“People living along the coastline should, however, have protective measures and means of movement on ground to guard against flood emergencies,’’ he said.

Ologunorisa, who was director, Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Studies, Osun State University, Osogbo, urged inhabitants of flood-prone areas to start moving out before the peak of the rainy season.

The meteorologist said that although this year’s flood was not likely to have adverse effect on communities, it was safer for people to move out of danger zones.

He urged the people to ensure that drains and other water outlets were cleared of refuse and objects for free flow of flood water before the peak of the rainy season.

Ologunorisa also advised the public, especially those living in urban centres, against drinking water from rainfall to avoid contamination.

“It is not safe for people living in industrial areas to drink water from rainfall because of the level of pollutants in the atmosphere.

“We also need to be careful what we eat this period. Children and old people should be protected from cold and made to eat warm food,’’ he said.

Ologunorisa advised people in riverside communities to use canoes and solid planks to aid movement outside their houses.