Flood Alert: Lagos hit by 12-hour rain, Govt warns residents to stay vigilant

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government has appealed for calm following over 12 hours of intense rainfall across the state, assuring residents that critical infrastructure is in place to mitigate the impact of flash floods.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, cited a fresh weather advisory from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), warning of sustained heavy rain and thunderstorms over the next three days.

Wahab explained that Lagos’ geographical nature as a coastal city, compounded by climate change, makes it especially vulnerable to flash floods.

He noted that while the state’s flood management systems are active, some areas may still experience flooding due to the intensity of rainfall and rising water levels in the lagoon, which can lead to tidal lock—a condition that prevents proper discharge of rainwater.

“Residents, particularly those in low-lying and flood-prone areas near rivers and lagoons, must stay alert as high volumes of rainwater may lead to temporary flooding and strong water currents,” Wahab warned.

With most pupils currently on holiday, the government urged parents to monitor their children closely and ensure they do not play in the rain or attempt to swim in flooded areas.

The Commissioner also cautioned motorists and pedestrians against driving or walking through flooded roads, warning that vehicles could become submerged and lives could be endangered.

Reiterating the dangers of dumping refuse in drainage channels, Wahab stressed that such actions worsen flooding by blocking water flow, adding that there are consequences for environmental violations.

He noted that the state government is intensifying the year-round cleaning and maintenance of drainage channels, and has commenced the concrete lining of additional drainage systems to improve water flow.

However, he emphasised that exceptionally heavy downpours, like the recent one, demand collective responsibility from all residents to minimise damage.

“Lagos has witnessed more than 12 hours of rain. In such situations, all hands must be on deck to mitigate the impact,” he said.