This special edition of the weekly update spotlights natural disasters in the Niger Delta with a focus on flooding and ocean surge in Ondo State. Many communities in Ondo State are predisposed to recurrent water-related disasters, including flooding and ocean surge, because of the low topography, especially in coastal and riverine areas. According to data (see map above), natural disasters caused over 50 fatalities in Ondo State between January 2020 and June 2024. Recent data shows that water-related disasters are becoming more frequent and devastating in the State. The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) had predicted that six local government areas (LGAs) in Ondo State will experience ocean surge and flooding this year. In May 2024, over 5,000 residents were reportedly displaced from their homes as a result of flooding caused by ocean surge in Ayetoro community, Ilaje LGA. Recently, on October 04, 2024, over 1,000 homes and 25 schools were submerged and more than 7,000 people were rendered homeless as a result of flooding caused by heavy rainfall in different communities in Ondo West LGA

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