The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, South West zone has flagged off a public sensitisation and awareness campaign to enlighten the citizens on the possible implications of the rainfall patterns for 2015. The implications include flash flooding, especially in built-up urban centres. If utmost cautions are not exercised.

The agency in a statement signed by its Information Officer, Ibrahim Farinloye described flash flooding as more destructive and deadly than the normal flooding because the rainfall does not give prior notice.

“People will be tempted to ignore the rain and try to move on with their normal routine on the road but the gathering of rainwater from the affected community will converge and start causing serious sweeping of everything in its course,” he said. The campaigns according to NEMA, will hold around flood- prone areas of Oyo, Ogun and Lagos.

Specifically affected are Igarra community in Oyo State, Sango Otta in Ogun state and Mile 12 areas of Lagos State while the target audience includes commercial drivers, traders, commercial motorcyclists, commuters and students who are the most vulnerable.

The campaigns will focus on safety tips to avoid staying under make-shift structures and sending children on errands while there are indications of possible rainfall. The statement also advised motorists to avoid staying in their vehicles during rainfall. Schools were also advised against allowing their pupils/students to go home when there are possibilities of heavy rainfall.

“People should avoid plying the road immediately after rainfall because the underlying ground cannot cope, or drain it away on time. Roads can become like rivers and if there is a lot of water, it can affect properties, so, if the rain is falling too fast for the ground or drains to cope, there is a risk of flash flooding,” Farinloye said.