The Lagos State Government has directed residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to relocate to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.
The alert, covering September 19 to 25, affects Lagos and 14 other states. The state government said the directive was aimed at preventing loss of lives and property.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.
Wahab listed Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B among areas identified as vulnerable to flooding.
He said the state government had intensified monitoring across the identified locations and other riverine, low-lying and flood-prone communities.
Wahab urged residents not to wait until floodwaters rise before taking action, stressing that early preparation and temporary relocation could help prevent loss of lives and property.
“We are urging Lagosians, particularly those living in flood-prone and low-lying areas, not to take this warning lightly. When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life,” he said.
He also urged residents living along the Ogun River and other major waterways to exercise caution, noting that rainfall intensity and rising water levels upstream could affect downstream communities in Lagos.
The commissioner listed Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin among areas that should remain on high alert during the period.
He advised residents living near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to monitor official flood forecasts and be prepared to relocate temporarily whenever flooding becomes imminent.
Wahab called on local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents to activate early-warning and response mechanisms, including moving people, livestock and valuables to safer locations where necessary.
He said the state government would continue to monitor river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments in collaboration with relevant federal agencies.
He added that the government would sustain the cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure across the state.
The commissioner also urged residents to support flood mitigation efforts by avoiding the dumping of refuse in drains, canals and waterways, warning that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and delay the recession of floodwaters.
He cautioned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water, urging those in vulnerable communities to make arrangements for temporary relocation when official warnings indicate an imminent threat.
Meanwhile, the latest national flood advisory reported that more than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states were at risk of flooding between September 19 and 25.
The advisory warned that rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities and affect schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings and farmlands.
The states listed as likely to be affected include Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.