As heavy rainfall continues to batter Lagos State, the government has issued a strong safety advisory, particularly warning parents, residents of flood-prone communities and motorists to exercise extreme caution over the next few days.
EpeInsights reports that the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on Monday, warned that flash floods are likely to occur in several parts of the state due to a forecast of sustained heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over the next 72 hours, as released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
Wahab sounded the alarm for families living in low-lying areas, communities near lagoons and rivers, and those residing close to major drainage collectors.
“We are entering a critical window of intense rainfall, and while we are managing our infrastructure as best as possible, nature can still overwhelm the system. Residents must remain alert, especially in vulnerable locations,” he said.
The Commissioner expressed particular concern for children and young people, noting that the school holiday period increases the risk of children playing outdoors during storms.
“This is not a time to play in the rain. We urge parents and guardians to keep children indoors and educate them on the dangers of floodwater. Many of the flash floods come with strong currents and can be deadly,” he warned.
He also emphasized that motorists and pedestrians must avoid flooded roads, no matter how shallow the water may appear. Submerged vehicles and sweep-away incidents have been known to occur in similar weather conditions.
Lagos, being a coastal city, experiences a phenomenon known as tidal lock, where the rising water level in the lagoon prevents the discharge of stormwater through the drains. This leads to temporary flooding, especially when rainfall is continuous and intense.
Wahab reiterated the importance of proper waste disposal, reminding the public that dumping refuse into drains exacerbates flooding, and violators will be held accountable.
To mitigate the impact, he said the government is actively continuing drainage clearing, desilting, and expanding infrastructure capacity across the state, including awarding contracts for new concrete-lined drains.
While reassuring residents of the state’s preparedness, the Commissioner stressed that collective responsibility is essential in managing flood-related risks.
“We need everyone; parents, residents, motorists to do their part. Stay informed, stay indoors if possible and avoid taking risks during this period,” Wahab urged.
