The Lagos State Government has called for calm and vigilance after more than 12 hours of continuous rainfall resulted in flash floods across various parts of Nigeria's commercial capital.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued a statement on Monday urging residents to prioritize safety as the city grapples with the effects of the downpour. He assured that the state's flood control infrastructure was designed to manage heavy rainfall events, though the current volume may temporarily overwhelm existing systems.
The appeal follows a weather advisory from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) forecasting sustained heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Lagos for the next three days.
Coastal Vulnerability and Safety Measures
"As a coastal state, Lagos is prone to rising lagoon levels during prolonged downpours, which can cause tidal backflow and restrict the outflow of stormwater," Wahab explained in the statement.
The commissioner specifically warned residents in low-lying areas and waterfront communities to prepare for flash floods with potentially strong currents. Parents were advised to keep children indoors and away from floodwaters, while both pedestrians and motorists were cautioned against attempting to navigate flooded roads due to the risk of being swept away or trapped in submerged vehicles.
Environmental Concerns and Government Response
Wahab expressed concern over the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains and waterways, emphasizing that such actions significantly hinder stormwater discharge and worsen flooding situations. He reiterated that environmental law violators would face strict penalties.
The government highlighted ongoing flood mitigation efforts, including regular clearing of drainage channels and newly awarded contracts for concrete-lining of critical drains to improve water flow and flood resilience.
"However, when rainfall exceeds normal levels, as experienced in the past 12 hours, there is a need for collective responsibility to reduce the impact," the statement noted.
The Lagos State Government assured residents that emergency response teams have been fully mobilized and remain on high alert throughout this period. Residents are urged to adhere to all safety advisories and exercise caution during the rainy season.
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