Lagos Issues Flash Flood Alert, Warns Of Imminent Heavy Rainfall
The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to residents to prepare for potential flash floods and intense rainfall expected over the coming days.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on Saturday, through the Director Public Affairs, Mr. Kunle Adeshina, cited weather forecasts showing geostationary imagery with indications of thunderstorms, dense cloud cover, and widespread convective rainfall.
These conditions are likely to result in flash flooding in many parts of the state, particularly in low-lying areas and communities located near rivers and lagoons.
Wahab urged residents to remain alert, explaining that the forecast is a continuation of earlier warnings issued at the start of the rainy season.
He noted that the coastal nature of Lagos, combined with rising lagoon levels during periods of heavy rain, often causes tidal locks that can prevent effective drainage, worsening flood situations.
The Commissioner further advised parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, particularly those currently on mid-term break, to prevent them from playing in floodwaters or attempting to swim in drainage channels — a practice that poses serious risks during such periods.
Motorists and pedestrians were also cautioned not to attempt to wade through flooded roads, as the depth and strength of the water may lead to vehicles being submerged or individuals being swept away by strong currents.
Wahab stressed the ongoing efforts of the state government to maintain and clear drainage systems year-round but added that when rainfall exceeds normal levels, community cooperation becomes crucial.
He also warned against the dangerous habit of dumping refuse in drains, reminding the public that such actions block waterways and increase the likelihood of flooding.
Offenders will be held accountable, he added.
Lagos Issues Flash Flood Alert, Warns Of Imminent Heavy Rainfall is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
