The Lagos State Government on Tuesday called for calm and understanding from residents following the flash flooding experienced in many parts of the State over the last two weeks, with the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, approving the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary channels across the state.
Speaking against the backdrop of the downpours which caused flash flooding in many communities, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the rainfalls were an extreme weather event that produced an unusually high volume of water within a short period, overwhelming drainage channels in some locations and resulting in temporary flooding across parts of Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and several other areas.
In a statement, the Director of Public Affairs at the ministry, Kunle Adeshina, quoted Wahab as saying that the incident was not peculiar to Lagos, as similar heavy rainfalls also affected other African Countries on the same day, even in North America, resulting in flooding across some cities.
He said that while Lagos and these cities have coastal and hydraulic characteristics, Lagos presents a much more complex hydrological system due to its extensive network of lagoons, tidal water bodies, rivers and creeks, as well as significantly higher rainfall intensity.
The commissioner explained that the interaction between the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos Lagoon and numerous rivers and creeks, particularly during periods of high tide, naturally slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea, resulting in temporary inundation in some low-lying areas whenever exceptionally heavy rainfall occurs.
Wahab assured residents that the Lagos State Government remains fully on top of the situation through continuous monitoring of drainage infrastructure, flood-prone locations and other critical water channels, adding that emergency response agencies have remained on the ground to ensure that floodwaters recede as quickly as weather conditions permit while providing support where necessary.
The Commissioner stressed that while the State Government continues to invest significantly in drainage construction, channelisation, desilting and other flood control infrastructure, residents also have an important role to play in reducing the impact of flooding.
He urged residents to desist from indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drains, canals and waterways, illegal reclamation of wetlands, construction on drainage alignments and other activities that obstruct the free flow of stormwater, noting that such actions worsen flooding during periods of intense rainfall.
Wahab stated that the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident across the world, with coastal cities experiencing more frequent and intense rainfall events.
“Lagos is not exempted from these realities; However, the State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to building a flood-resilient city through sustained infrastructure development, environmental enforcement, and active collaboration with residents,” he said.
He also advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads during heavy downpours and appealed to residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to heed weather advisories and comply with safety instructions issued by relevant government agencies, which the ministry issues on a daily basis.
The comment came after flash floods were reported in several parts of the city following hours-long rainfall on Tuesday. Many residents were left stranded in the wake of the flooding as many transit networks were flooded.
On social media, many distressed residents and celebrities shared footage of flooded areas as the rains overwhelmed the city’s drainage infrastructure.
But the state wants Lagosians to also play their part in protecting the area, saying it is a shared responsibility. The commissioner called on all residents to support government efforts by keeping drainage channels free of waste and reporting any activity capable of obstructing the free flow of stormwater.
