Lagos Alerts 10 Communities On Flood

The Lagos State Government has alerted over 10 communities abutting the River Ogun on the need to be vigilant as the water level of the river has risen by four metres above sea level.

Around October last year, the Ogun River overflowed its bank, leading to massive flooding in communities abutting it while thousands of people at Ajegunle and its environs were displaced.

The affected communities that may be sacked by flood anytime from now are Mile 12, Agiliti, Isheri North, Owode-Onirin, Ikorodu, Majidun, Ajegunle, Agiliti, among others.

A statement from the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment said the warning for residents on the bank of the river to be alert was as a result of the increasing high volume of rains in the south western part of Nigeria, particularly the high volume of rains recorded in Ogun State within the last two weeks.

“As a result of the increasing intensity of rains in the south western part of Nigeria, particularly the high volume of rains recorded in Ogun state within the last two weeks, residents of Mile 12, Agiliti, Isheri North, Owode -Onirin, Ikorodu, Majidun, Ajegunle, Agiliti, etc. and all those within the flood plain areas of Ogun River are hereby advised to be on the Alert.

“Should the intensity of rains increase, there might be need for them to move from this catchment, because of the forecast that more rains that are likely to lead to serious flooding are still being expected,” said the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello.

According to him, the state government just wanted to place the residents on the alert, “so that they are not caught unawares. However, if there is any need for them to move, our resettlement centres will be made available for people who have nowhere to stay.”

He further stated that the situation had not reached a crisis level yet, “but as a proactive and responsible government, the Ministry of the Environment is duty bound to inform members of the public about the state of our environment, especially at this time when the world is experiencing serious global warming as a result of climate change.

“Lagosians are further assured of the minute by minute monitoring of the situation by officials of the State Government and will continue to issue necessary warning/alert to the members of the public as the need arise.

“Residents of these areas are however, advised not to panic, but rather be vigilant and be on the alert. As the state government will continue to monitor the situation, members of the public will be adequately informed about further developments,” he stated.

—Kazeem Ugbodaga