Ondo Flooding Disrupts Major Highway, Strands Motorists

Flooding in Ondo, triggered by hours of continuous rainfall, submerged major roads and communities, particularly affecting the Lagos–Ore–Benin corridor, a vital route for transportation. Key locations in Ondo town, including Itanla Junction, Onipakala Junction, and the UNIMED Road axis, were inundated, damaging several vehicles, including those belonging to staff of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED).

Many commuters were disrupted on their way to work, and residents in areas like Odigbo, Irele, Ode-Aye, and Igbokoda were forced to evacuate their homes due to rising water levels. Although no casualties were reported, families were displaced, and livelihoods were disrupted.

Joshua Oladele, a traveller, described the experience as traumatic and called for urgent government intervention. The Ondo State Government, represented by Commissioner for Environment Tob Loko, expressed sympathy for affected residents and noted that several flood-prone areas had been identified for intervention.

Loko announced the deployment of amphibious excavators for emergency clearing and urged residents to report flooding incidents to support mitigation efforts.