The Lagos State Government has advised residents living in flood-prone communities to temporarily move to higher ground as the state prepares for increased rainfall and rising water levels.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the directive in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.
The statement, signed by the Director of Public Affairs in the ministry, Kunle Adeshina, followed a fresh seven-day flood alert from the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.
Wahab said the alert covered Lagos and 14 other states, warning that rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities.
According to the alert, affected areas could include schools, healthcare facilities, markets, farms and places of worship.
The commissioner identified several vulnerable locations in Lagos, including Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.
He urged residents not to wait for floodwaters to rise before taking precautionary measures.
Wahab said residents should relocate early whenever there were signs of danger, stressing that protecting lives should take priority over property.
He said the state government had stepped up surveillance in riverine, low-lying and other flood-prone communities.
The commissioner advised residents in affected areas to move to higher ground and remain there until the peak of the current rainy season had passed.
He explained that Lagos normally experiences a second phase of the rainy season from September, characterised by increased rainfall, rising water levels and tidal effects.
Wahab also urged people living close to rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other waterways to remain vigilant and follow official safety instructions.
Communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways were specifically advised to exercise extra caution because rainfall upstream and rising water levels could affect downstream areas.
The commissioner listed Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto and parts of Agboyi among the areas requiring heightened vigilance.
He said residents in those locations and other communities downstream of Isheri Olofin should remain on high alert between September 19 and September 25.
Wahab further advised residents of coastal and waterfront communities to monitor official flood forecasts and prepare for temporary relocation if flooding becomes imminent.
He called on local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents to activate early-warning and emergency response measures.
Residents were also advised to move people, livestock and valuable belongings to safer locations where necessary.
The commissioner said the state government would continue working with relevant federal agencies to monitor river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments.
He added that regular cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure would continue across Lagos.
Wahab urged residents to stop dumping refuse indiscriminately in drains, canals and waterways, noting that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and increase the risks to communities.
He also cautioned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water.
The commissioner said the government would continue implementing measures to reduce flood risks and provide updates as the situation develops.
He urged Lagos residents to remain calm, vigilant and responsive to official flood advisories.
Source: VANGUARD
