The Lagos State Government in Nigeria has called for calm from residents following flash floods caused by heavy and continuous rainfall on Wednesday morning.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, stated that Lagos experienced around nine hours of uninterrupted rainfall starting in the early hours of the day. This heavy downpour, combined with persistent rains from the past week, has led to a rise in the Lagos lagoon’s water level.
“Residents should remain calm as the flash floods in areas like Iyana Oworo, which links the Third Mainland Bridge, will recede once the rains stop and the lagoon levels drop,” Wahab assured. He added that officials from the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang have been deployed to clear major black spots, including Iyana Oworo.
Wahab urged those in low-lying areas to relocate to higher grounds to protect lives and property and advised against driving through flooded areas, stating, “It takes only a foot of flowing water with a high tide to sweep away a vehicle, regardless of its occupants.”
The Commissioner also emphasized the importance of following daily weather reports from the State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. He noted, “Lagos, being a coastal city with nearly one-third of its landmass underwater, requires every resident to be more responsive to environmental conditions.”
Wahab highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government, including year-round maintenance and cleaning of primary and secondary drainage systems. He urged residents to maintain their tertiary drains and avoid dumping refuse into them to collectively manage flood risks.
