Lagos issues flood alert for high-risk areas, advises residents to prepare

The Lagos State Government has alerted residents in flood-prone areas to prepare for potential flash floods, rising water levels, and riverbank overflows between June 14 and June 21. This warning, issued by Kunle Adeshina, Director, Public Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, follows a flood prediction update from the Federal Ministry of the Environment. Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, identified critical risk areas including Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Ikoyi, Lagos Island, Lekki, Ojo, Orile-Agege, Surulere, Agege, Alimosho, and Kosofe. Residents in these areas are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures, identify evacuation routes, and protect vulnerable households. The government also urged against settlement or trading in active floodplains, low-lying drain corridors, and riverbank areas. Despite the warning, the state government assured residents not to panic, stating that proactive measures, including year-round maintenance and cleaning of drainage channels, are in place to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. They noted that continuous clearing and maintenance of drainage infrastructure have prevented severe flooding incidents this rainy season. The government has also repeatedly urged residents to avoid dumping refuse in drainage channels and waterways, as this practice contributes to flash floods and environmental hazards.