Several communities across Osun State have been affected by flooding following days of heavy rainfall, with residents reporting damage to homes, household belongings, roads and bridges.

The flooding has affected parts of Osogbo, Ilesa, Iwo and other communities, forcing some residents to evacuate their homes as floodwaters rose in residential areas.

In Osogbo, affected locations include Ijetu, Ayekale, Famson Area, Oke Baale, Sasa, Ilesa Garage, Oke-Ayepe, Aregbe/Abija, Baruwa, Omigade in Ogo-Oluwa and Koledowo.

Residents in Ijetu reportedly fled their homes after floodwater entered buildings and destroyed valuables. Some residents also blamed blocked drainage channels and indiscriminate dumping of refuse for worsening the situation.

In Ilesa, Muroko Road was reportedly submerged following the overflow of the Ora River, while the bridge linking Ijaregbe with Ilesa was damaged by the heavy rainfall, disrupting movement between the communities.

The flooding also affected communities including Ijana, Ibala, Ayegunle, Idooko and Eesun-Ijesa, with residents experiencing difficulties moving people and goods along affected routes.

The Olomu of Ijaregbe, Oba Edward Adetimo, confirmed damage to the bridge linking the community with Ilesa, noting that the development had affected residents, including schoolchildren who depend on the route.

Other areas reportedly affected include parts of Atakunmosa West, Ilesa West, Obokun, Olorunda, Iwo and Ifelodun Local Government Areas.

Reacting to the development, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, expressed concern over the impact of the flooding and directed relevant government agencies to assess affected communities and determine the extent of damage.

The state government said it had previously undertaken measures aimed at reducing flooding, including the dredging of waterways and public sensitisation against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels.

The National Emergency Management Agency has also continued to monitor flood-prone areas and urged residents to remain vigilant as the rainy season continues.

Residents in affected communities are calling for urgent intervention, including the rehabilitation of damaged bridges, clearance of blocked drainage channels, improved flood-control measures and assistance for families whose homes and belongings were affected.

Authorities are expected to continue assessing the situation as rainfall persists across parts of the state.