The Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents to remain calm following severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall throughout the state.
On Wednesday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, issued a statement addressing the situation in Lagos.
The intense downpour, which started around 2 am, caught many residents off guard, resulting in flooded homes and neighborhoods. The flooding impacted numerous areas, including Surulere, Ijesha, Okokomaiko, Ibeju-Lekki, Greenland Estate in Mende, Gbagada, Oshodi, Isolo, Lekki, Ikoyi, Ogba, Ikeja, and Ajah.
Major roads such as the Iyana-Oworonshoki link to the Third Mainland Bridge, LASU/Iba-Ojo road, Awolowo Road in Ikeja, Apapa-Gbagada expressway, and the Lagos-Ibadan highway were also submerged.
Even primary roads were not spared, making it difficult for students and workers to leave their homes.
Floodwaters inundated vehicles parked in estates and garages, worsening the situation.
In response, Wahab stated, “Lagos has experienced about nine hours of continuous rainfall since the early hours of Wednesday. This, combined with the heavy rainfall experienced daily since the previous week, has led to a rise in the Lagos lagoon’s water level.”
He assured that the flash floods, affecting areas such as Iyana-Oworo and other regions, would subside once the rain ceases and the lagoon’s water level decreases.
The commissioner mentioned that the state had deployed Emergency Flood Abatement Gang officials to critical areas, including Iyana-Oworo, which had been cleared of blockages.
He advised residents in low-lying areas to relocate to higher grounds to protect lives and properties.
Wahab also cautioned against driving through floodwaters, noting that even a foot of flowing water could sweep away a vehicle, regardless of its occupants.
He encouraged residents to stay informed by following daily weather reports from the State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to plan their activities accordingly.
Wahab highlighted that Lagos is a coastal city with a significant portion of its landmass under water, necessitating a heightened awareness of environmental conditions.
He reiterated that the government has undertaken a year-long maintenance and cleaning of all secondary and primary drainage systems to manage runoff from heavy rainfalls.
“Residents are expected to regularly clean and maintain the tertiary drains in front of their properties and avoid dumping refuse in the drains for the collective good,” he emphasized.