The Lagos State Government has called for calm among residents following flash flood caused by incessant rainfalls early Wednesday morning.
The State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, addressed the situation in a statement.
He explained that Lagos experienced approximately nine hours of continuous rainfall since the early hours of the day.
Commissioner Wahab noted that the heavy rainfall, which has been a daily occurrence since last week, has led to a significant rise in the water level of the Lagos lagoon.
The increased water levels have resulted in flash floods in various areas, including Iyana Oworo, which connects to the Third Mainland Bridge.
Wahab assured residents that the flash floods will recede once the rains subside and the lagoon levels decrease.
He emphasized that the state has already deployed the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang to critical flood-prone areas.
The heavy downpour on Wednesday has caused significant flooding and traffic gridlock across Lagos State, disrupting economic activities in Nigeria’s commercial center.
Videos seen on social media showed that places like Iyana-Oworo, Oshodi, Lekki, Ikeja, Egbeda, and Gbagada were heavily flooded.
This make roads nearly impassable and causing severe discomfort for commuters.
The Commissioner urged residents in low-lying areas to relocate to higher grounds to protect their lives and properties.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Students Top in New Zealand, Compete for $10,000 Prize
He also advised against driving through flooded areas, highlighting that it takes only a foot of flowing water to sweep away a vehicle, regardless of its size or the number of occupants.
Wahab encouraged residents to stay updated with daily weather reports issued by the State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
These reports serve as essential guides for planning daily activities and ensuring safety during heavy rainfall periods.
Proactive Measures
Acknowledging Lagos’s geographical challenges as a coastal city with a significant portion of its landmass underwater, Wahab reiterated the state government’s commitment to environmental maintenance.
The government has embarked on year-long maintenance and cleaning of all primary and secondary drainage systems to manage runoff from heavy rains effectively.
The Commissioner reminded residents of their responsibility to maintain tertiary drains in front of their properties and to avoid dumping refuse in drainage systems.
Exploitation
Amid the heavy rainfall, a disturbing incident in the Ojo area was captured on video and circulated on social media.
The footage showed miscreants exploiting pedestrians seeking to use the walkway under the bridge, demanding N100 from each person.
An X user highlighted the issue, criticizing the construction company working on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway for not providing temporary access routes, thus leaving pedestrians vulnerable.
