The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to residents in flood-prone areas to temporarily relocate due to the predicted heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that the state had received early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) about the likelihood of increased rainfall this year, which could lead to flash flooding in certain areas
Wahab said this on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, emphasising that Lagos, being a coastal city, is naturally susceptible to flooding, but efforts were being made to mitigate the impact through infrastructure development and public awareness.
The commissioner disclosed that the government has been working to mitigate the effects of flooding by clearing drainage channels, embarking on regular maintenance to ensure water flow and prevent blockages.
Recall that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicts that Lagos would experience heavier rainfall this year compared to last year.
Hensard Times reports that some communities in Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial capital, were flooded on Monday after heavy downpour which started Sunday night and thundered on, uninterrupted till Monday evening.
Viral videos showed submerged houses and vehicles in parts of the state as residents delicately navigated pool-like streets and roads, which overflowed from clogged drainage channels and canals. The environmental situation paralysed trade and economic activities in the nation’s commercial hub.
Wahab however urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, especially in low-lying and coastal areas, and to take necessary precautions to protect lives and property.
