Lagos State Government Issues Statement on Prolonged Heavy Rainfall
- Lagos State has experienced over 12 hours of intense rainfall, prompting government warnings about potential flash flooding
- The Environment Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, especially in low-lying and coastal areas
- With further downpours forecasted, the state is reinforcing drainage infrastructure and warning against unsafe behaviours during the floods
The Lagos State Government on Monday appealed for calm from residents following more than 12 hours of continuous heavy rainfall across the state.
Officials assured the public that resilient infrastructure had been put in place to mitigate the impact of flash flooding, even as weather forecasts predicted further downpours.
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In a statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the government cited a fresh advisory from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over the next three days.
Wahab noted that while the state had made significant investments in flood control, the intensity of the rain could overwhelm major drainage collectors.
“It is not impossible that some parts of the state may experience flash flooding because of the inability of the major collectors not being able to contain the run-off resulting from the very heavy rainfalls,” Wahab stated.
Lagos’ coastal geography heightens flood risk
The Commissioner reminded residents of Lagos’ vulnerability due to its coastal geography and the growing impact of climate change. He explained that rising water levels in the lagoon during heavy rainfall often lead to tidal lock, a phenomenon that prevents effective discharge from drainage systems.
“Lagos, being a coastal state, with the heavy rainfalls, the level of water in the lagoon is bound to rise and will result in a tidal lock, which will prevent discharge from all collectors,” Wahab said.
He urged residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant, warning that such zones were particularly prone to flash floods. Areas adjacent to rivers and lagoons were also identified as high-risk zones, with the potential for strong currents accompanying the floods.
Safety advisory for children and motorists
With schools currently on holiday, Wahab called for increased supervision of children, cautioning against outdoor play or swimming in floodwaters.
He also reiterated earlier warnings to motorists and pedestrians, advising them not to wade through flooded areas due to the risk of submersion and being swept away.
“There is the tendency that vehicles may be submerged and people swept away with such heavy floods,” he warned.
Drainage maintenance and waste disposal enforcement
The Commissioner condemned the practice of disposing refuse into drains during rainfall, stressing that such actions contribute to blockages and exacerbate flooding. He warned of consequences for offenders and urged residents to comply with waste management regulations.
Wahab highlighted ongoing efforts by the state to maintain and upgrade drainage infrastructure, including year-round cleaning and the concrete lining of new channels. He emphasised that collective action was essential to mitigate the effects of unusually heavy rainfall.
“Whenever more than usual rain falls in Lagos as witnessed in the last 12 hours plus, all concerted efforts are required to checkmate its effects,” Wahab concluded.
Heavy downpour causes massive flood in Lagos
Legit.ng earlier reported that a prolonged period of heavy rainfall in the past few days has resulted in severe flooding in residential areas and major roads in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
The downpour, which lasted for several hours on Wednesday, has left many residents stranded and their properties damaged.
Source: Legit.ng
