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The Lagos State Government has called on residents to remain calm amid nine hours of torrential rainfall that has led to significant flash floods across the city.
The State Commissioner for Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, assured the public of immediate actions to mitigate the effects.
The heavy rainfall, which began in the early hours of Wednesday and had been ongoing daily since last week, had caused a substantial rise in the level of the Lagos lagoon, leading to widespread inundation.
Areas such as Iyana Oworo, which connects to the Third Mainland Bridge, have been particularly affected.
Wahab emphasised that the floods in those regions would recede once the rain stops and the lagoon’s water level decreases.
To address the immediate threat, the state has deployed the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang to critical areas, ensuring that blockages are cleared and drainage systems are functioning optimally.
Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to relocate to higher grounds to safeguard their lives and properties.
Additionally, Wahab warned against driving through flooded areas, highlighting the dangers posed by even a foot of flowing water.
As part of ongoing efforts to prevent such occurrences, the state government has embarked on a year-long maintenance programme for its drainage systems.
Residents are also urged to contribute by keeping tertiary drains in front of their properties clean and refraining from dumping refuse in them.
