Lagos Warns Residents In Flood-Prone Areas To Relocate

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Wednesday, June 10th, 2015

The Lagos State Government fears that massive flood may sweep across the State any moment from now as the water level has risen drastically, calling on Lagosians living in flood-prone areas to relocate to avert disaster.

The government said intensive rainfall is imminent as the state enters the peak period of the rainy season.

Ayodeji Adenekan, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Lagos Ministry of the Environment explained that it had been raining since March, hence increasing the water level of the lagoons and rivers, resulting in back-flow into adjoining low line areas.

He said that this had also led to the inability of the various channels and drains to discharge.

The Permanent Secretary made this known in Alausa on Tuesday, during a chat with the media. Adenaken further explained that Lagos as a coastal state is susceptible to flash flood anytime it rained with high intensity and residents of low line areas were especially prone to the back flow effect.

“People living in low line areas are vulnerable to flooding because the low line areas are natural flood plains which ought not to be converted to residential abodes. However, we expect the water to recede with time”, he said.

He further advised those residing along flood plains, low line areas and other coast lines, like Ajegunle, Owode-Onirin axis, Owode-Elelede, kuramo beach, Alpha beach, Okun-mapo, Okun Ajah, Mende-Maryland, Ijora-Badia, Iwaya etc and other low line areas to be extremely careful and may need to vacate their residence temporarily once they notice gradual accumulation of rising water and move to higher grounds as the state is not ready to lose any life during the rainy period.

He stressed that this advice must be re-echoed before the rain begins so that the people could always be on the alert.

He also emphasised that primary and secondary channels in the state were being maintained and dredged to contain flood related challenges that may occur in the state.

“As the intensity of the rain increases, Lagosians are advised not to panic whenever it rains as they will start to experience accumulated water concentrated in some parts of the roads and highways. Lagosians are however assured that the accumulated water will recede in no time,” he stated.

Adenekan advised Lagosians to be safety conscious during this period, as well as advised on some safety measures like avoiding going out during the rains except only when it is absolutely necessary and be conscious when driving and “do not over speed. Ensure that your vehicles are in good condition.”

“Avoid driving through flooded areas as it might be difficult to ascertain its depth. Plan your journey before going out and avoid unnecessary outings,” he said.

He however, assured that the State Government would continue to intensify its mid rain cleaning and maintenance programme and promised not to relent until the zero tolerance target to flooding is attained in the state.