Lagos Authorities Urge Citywide Drain Cleanup as Rainy Season Approaches

The Lagos State Government has issued an urgent evacuation notice, advising residents to brace for additional heavy rainfall and severe flash flooding in the upcoming weeks.

Tokunbo Wahab, the state's Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, has strongly recommended that individuals living in low-lying and flood-prone areas relocate to safer, elevated locations without delay to safeguard lives and property. This directive comes in response to several days of relentless torrential rain that have inundated major roads, trapped drivers, disrupted commercial activities, and led to tragic fatalities. 

The state government has clearly identified the regions that require immediate evacuation and those currently deemed low-risk: Immediate Relocation Required for the Ajilete axis of Ajegunle, parts of the Lekki corridor, the Isheri/OPIC axis, and coastal communities in Ikorodu (including Majidun). Meanwhile, Ikeja, Mushin, and Epe are currently classified as Relatively Safe Zones.

 Environmental and Public Health Advisory Government officials and public health experts have highlighted the following essential protocols for all residents during this critical period: Residents are advised to avoid submerged roads and refrain from attempting to drive or walk through flowing floodwaters, as just a foot of rushing water can sweep away vehicles.

 Flooding has raised significant concerns regarding waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and malaria. It is imperative to ensure that all drinking water is adequately boiled or treated, keep food items securely covered, and uphold strict personal hygiene practices. Residents are legally obligated to clean and maintain the tertiary drains in front of their properties. It is crucial to cease the disposal of household waste into gutters, as this causes immediate blockages during heavy runoff events.

The Lagos State Government asserts that although flash floods are an inevitable geographical challenge for a coastal city, proactive mitigation measures are currently being implemented:

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sanctioned the prompt dredging and structural upkeep of 28 major water channels throughout the state. The government has mobilized emergency teams to carry out the demolition of illegal constructions and shanties obstructing highway medians and natural drainage routes along significant channels such as the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

Additionally, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has activated community responders, established local emergency relief centers, and positioned teams on high alert to address distress calls.