Prepare For Heavier Rains, Lagos Warns Residents

By Kazeem Ugbodaga 

The Lagos State Government has warned Lagosians to be prepared for heavier rains and thunderstorm within the next two weeks.

The government said the expected heavier rainfall and windstorms were envisaged the peak period of this year’s rainy season.

Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello advised residents living along low line areas of Eti-Osa, Badiya, Amukoko, Makoko, Iwaya, Ajegunle, Owode, Agiliti, among others to vacate these areas during this period, and move to upland as the intense rain would be accompanied with windstorm.

According to him, as a proactive and responsive administration, “this alert became necessary in order to sensitise Lagosians, particularly those that reside in flood-prone areas to be on the alert in order to prevent loss of lives and property.”

“The State Government has intensified its mid rain cleaning exercise which involves cleaning of drainages across the state in order to reduce to the barest minimum the incidence of flooding in the state.

“Lagosians should desist from acts that could lead to flooding, which include dumping of waste into canals, and erecting of structures along drainage channels, which are man-made and can be prevented,” he said.

Bello said in an emergency, Lagosians should take full advantage of the services of Drainage Engineers and Drainage Maintenance officers posted to all 57 local Government Council Areas of the state, and relate with them effectively to solve their drainage challenges.

“These officers are readily available to provide relief and solutions to all flooding challenges in each local government area across the state.

“Lagosians should not panic any time it rains, but be rest assured that Lagos, being a coastal state, may initially experience ‘flash flood’ which will definitely disappear, as soon as the rains subsides.

“This alert is a wakeup call for all Lagosians to desist from acts that could lead to flooding as well as join hands with the Lagos State Government to ensure we have a flood free Lagos,”  he added.