Lagos Government Issues Evacuation Warning to Residents Amid Flood Risk
The Lagos State government has issued an urgent evacuation warning to residents in several areas, including parts of Lekki and Ikorodu, due to the high risk of severe flooding. This is in response to heavy, continuous rainfall and forecasts of more intense downpours from meteorological agencies.
Specific Areas and Warnings:
High-Risk Zones: The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, specifically identified several particularly vulnerable areas. These include low-lying communities in Lekki, the Ajilete axis of Ajegunle, and the coastline of Ikorodu, particularly the Majidu area. Residents in these locations have been advised to "move to the upland" to avoid being caught in a flood.
Other Areas on Alert: Residents in Isheri (specifically the OPIC area) have also been put on high alert and advised to take precautionary measures.
"Safe" Areas: In contrast, the commissioner stated that areas like Epe, Mushin, and Ikeja are expected to be safe from significant flooding.
Reasons for the Warning:
NiMet's Forecast: The warning is based on predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which has forecasted that Lagos will experience much heavier rainfall in 2025 compared to previous years.
Coastal Vulnerability: Lagos is a coastal city, making it uniquely susceptible to flooding. The combination of heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the lagoon can lead to a "tidal lock," which prevents effective drainage and causes water to accumulate on land.
Contributing Factors: The flooding is intensified by a combination of natural and human-induced factors, including:
Poor Urban Planning: Insufficient and often blocked drainage systems, coupled with unchecked construction on floodplains and the destruction of wetlands.
Improper Waste Disposal: The indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels, which blocks water flow.
Climate Change: The increasing frequency and intensity of rainfall events linked to global climate change.
Government's Response and Advice:
The government has urged residents to remain calm and has assured them that efforts are underway to mitigate the situation, including clearing drainage channels and expanding flood pathways.
Residents are strongly advised to avoid wading or driving through floodwaters due to the risk of being swept away.
The government has reiterated its plea for residents to stop disposing of refuse in drains, as this is a major cause of the blockage.
This latest warning follows a period of intense rain on Monday, August 4, 2025, which caused severe flooding across parts of Lagos. Widespread reports and viral videos showed submerged homes and vehicles, leading to the disruption of economic activities.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
