Expect Heavy Rain, Thunderstorm, Lightning, Kwara Alerts Residents

Kwara State government has alerted the people of the state about the impending heavy rain, which would be accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms.

The government said the heavy rain was expected from  yesterday, quoting the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

In a statement signed yesterday by the director of Public Orientation in the Ministry of Communications, Mr Agboola Olanrewaju, the government said:

“In the light of this, those living close to river sides and occupants of riverine areas are advised to relocate upstream with immediate effect, to avoid loss of lives and property.

” Members of the public are also advised to be mindful  of their movements tomorrow and avoid going out whenever it is about to rain.

” In the same vein, it is advisable to remove electric appliances from sockets whenever one is going out, to avert power surge and thunder-related damages to gadgets, consequent upon the expected heavy rain and thunderstorm.

*At this juncture, it is worthy of note that the Kwara State Government is currently dredging the Asa River while the State Ministry of Environment has also embarked on clearing of drainages within the metropolis, to avoid flooding.”

Similarly, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has urged farmers across the state to take early precautions in anticipation of rainfall and thunderstorms forecasted in the coming days.

In a statement signed by the ministry ‘s press secretary, Ashaolu Omotola, the ministry noted that:” Although no rainfall has been recorded yet, the conditions ahead may disrupt ongoing farming activities, particularly for those preparing land, applying fertiliser, or harvesting crops. Areas with poorly drained soils or those situated near water channels may be more vulnerable to temporary flooding or erosion.”

The ministry, therefore, advised farmers to take certain precautionary steps before the rains begin.