The Lagos administration has issued a warning that the state would likely experience flash floods and more heavy rainfall.
Lagos commissioner for environment and water resources Tokunbo Wahab said in an
X post on Monday that the state has seen a lot of rain in the last 12 hours and
that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) was forecasting more rain.
As a coastal city, Lagos is vulnerable to tidal lock-up, a situation when
rising lagoon levels limit the flow of stormwater, resulting in floods, Wahab
said, urging inhabitants to exercise caution and maintain composure.
The post states, "The sheer amount of rainfall may temporarily overwhelm
some drainage channels, but we have robust systems in place to manage flash
floods."
According to Wahab,
the government is keeping a careful eye on places that are vulnerable to
flooding, particularly those that are close to rivers and lagoons, and has
cautioned locals living there.
He warned that playing or swimming in floodwater is very dangerous and urged
parents to keep their kids inside throughout the holiday season.
Additionally, the commissioner issued a warning against disposing of rubbish in
drains during rainy seasons, pointing out that doing so causes floods and can
result in penalties.
He also mentioned that government crews are working around the clock to expand,
maintain, and clean the city's drainage systems.
“Motorists and pedestrians should also
avoid flooded roads. Vehicles can be submerged, and lives can be lost,”
Wahab said.
“Once again, I must stress, do not dump refuse into drains during rainfall. It clogs our drainage systems and worsens flooding. There are consequences for such actions, and enforcement will continue.”
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