Flood alert: Lagos lists high-risk areas, warns residents

The Lagos State Government has alerted residents of some flood-prone areas of the state to prepare for possible flash floods, rising water levels and riverbank overflows between June 14 and June 21.

The government issued the warning in a statement by the Director, Public Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, on Monday.

The statement noted that the warning stemmed from a flood prediction update by the Federal Ministry of the Environment, which classified some communities in the state as critical flood-risk areas.

Adeshina noted that the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Mahamood Adegbite, disclosed that the affected areas include Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Ikoyi, Lagos Island, Lekki, Ojo, Orile-Agege, Surulere, Agege, Alimosho and Kosofe.

The statement noted that the flood prediction update, signed by the Director of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Usman Bokani, designated the listed locations as “Critical Risk Areas.”

The update advised residents and communities within the affected areas to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures against possible flooding.

The statement read, “Communities classified as critical should maintain immediate flood watch, identify evacuation routes and protect vulnerable households.

“Avoid settlement or trading activities within active floodplains, low-lying drain corridors, and riverbank areas.”

The state government, however, urged residents not to panic, assuring them that proactive measures had been put in place to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall across the state.

“The Lagos State Government assures residents of all the listed areas and the whole state in general to remain calm as the government is on top of its game through its year-round maintenance and cleaning of all primary and secondary drainage channels,” the statement added.

According to him, continuous clearing and maintenance of drainage infrastructure have helped prevent severe flooding incidents despite the intensity of rainfall recorded since the onset of the rainy season.

“These proactive steps have ensured that the state has not suffered any devastating effect that comes with heavy rainfall since the advent of the rains this year,” he stated.

The warning comes amid recurring concerns over flooding in Lagos during the rainy season.

The PUNCH reported earlier this month that some parts of the state experienced heavy flash flooding following intense rainfall.

The state government has repeatedly urged residents to desist from dumping refuse in drainage channels and waterways, warning that such practices contribute significantly to flash floods and environmental hazards.