A civil society coalition, The Osun Mastermind, has urged the Osun government to strengthen its capacity for swift emergency response to victims of natural disasters.
The group’s Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, made the call at a news conference on Tuesday in Osogbo.
Oyedokun-Alli described the damage caused by recent heavy rainfall in parts of the state as disheartening. He advised the government to prioritise clearing waterways in preparation for heavy rains that could trigger flash floods.
“We sympathise with those affected by the rainstorm and pray they receive timely support for recovery. The need to strengthen the state’s emergency response capacity to ensure victims receive immediate assistance is paramount,” he said.
According to him, the destruction recorded in Osogbo and other towns following a downpour accompanied by strong winds is among the most devastating in recent times, raising concerns about possible recurrence.
“We call for the immediate collation of data on affected victims to facilitate prompt intervention and sustained support. Government should implement a comprehensive master plan to prevent recurrence in environmentally vulnerable areas,” he added.
The executive director also stressed the importance of improving meteorological data management and enhancing communication with residents through mass media.
Oyedokun-Alli further urged environmental stakeholders to support government efforts to mitigate the impact of natural disasters in the state.
Reports indicated that a rainstorm late on Saturday caused severe damage to houses and shops in Osogbo, blowing off rooftops with strong winds. One person died, and three others were injured.
