The Lagos State Government has issued a fresh warning to residents, particularly those living in low-lying areas, to remain alert as intense rainfall continues to batter the state, raising the risk of flash floods in several communities.
In a statement released yesterday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed that forecasts from the state’s weather stations indicated the presence of thunderstorms and widespread convective rainfall with dense cloud cover, as seen in geostationary imagery for today and the coming days.
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Wahab explained that the weather imagery translates to very heavy rainfall and flash floods across many parts of the state—an occurrence the government had earlier warned about this year.
He stressed that areas bordering rivers and lagoons are especially vulnerable, with flash floods potentially accompanied by high currents.
The commissioner urged residents without urgent business outdoors during downpours to remain indoors until the rain subsides, allowing them to assess the situation and prepare accordingly.
Parents were also advised to monitor their children, particularly those currently on mid-term break, to prevent them from playing in the rain or swimming in floodwaters.
Reiterating earlier safety advice, Wahab cautioned motorists and pedestrians against attempting to wade through floodwaters, warning that such action could lead to vehicles being submerged or individuals being swept away.
He further explained that Lagos, being a coastal state, faces the challenge of rising lagoon water levels during heavy rains, which can result in tidal lock—a situation that hinders the discharge of stormwater from drainage systems.
The commissioner also warned residents against dumping refuse into drains during rainfall, noting that this habit contributes significantly to blocked drainage systems and increased flooding.
He emphasised that there are consequences for such actions.
Wahab assured the public that drainage channels across the state are being cleaned and maintained throughout the year to manage rainwater runoff.
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However, he noted that exceptionally heavy downpours require collective efforts from residents and authorities to mitigate their impact.
