Flooding: LASG appeals for calm following incessant rainfall
By Adeola Ogunrinde
The Lagos State Government has urged residents to remain calm following flash floods caused by relentless rainfall across the state.
In an official statement, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, detailed that Lagos has experienced approximately nine hours of continuous rainfall starting from the early hours of Wednesday.
This recent deluge adds to the heavy rains the state has faced daily since last week, leading to a significant rise in the Lagos lagoon’s water levels.
Wahab explained that the flash floods, affecting areas such as Iyana Oworo and other regions connected to the Third Mainland Bridge, are expected to subside once the rainfall decreases and the lagoon’s water level drops.
To address the situation, he revealed the state has deployed the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang to critical areas, including Iyana Oworo, where blockages have already been cleared.
The Commissioner advised residents in low-lying areas to relocate to higher grounds to protect lives and property.
He also warned against driving through flooded areas, noting that even a foot of high-tide flowing water can sweep away a vehicle, regardless of the number of occupants.
Residents were further encouraged to stay informed through daily weather reports issued by the State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to plan their activities accordingly.
Highlighting Lagos’ status as a coastal city, with nearly one-third of its landmass under water, Wahab stressed the importance of residents being proactive about environmental conditions.
He added that the state government has committed to year-round maintenance and cleaning of all primary and secondary drainage systems to manage runoff from heavy rains effectively.
The Commissioner also called on residents to regularly clean and maintain tertiary drains in front of their properties and to avoid dumping refuse in the drains for the collective well-being of the community.
