Lagos Govt alerts residents on héavy rainfall, flash flööds

The Lagos State Government on Saturday issued a strong advisory to residents, particularly those living in low-lying areas, to remain alert as the state experiences intense rainfall likely to trigger flash floods across many locations.

In a statement by the Director (Public Affairs), Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, the government disclosed that data from the state’s weather stations indicate looming thunderstorms and widespread convective rainfall, accompanied by dense cloud cover.

According to the statement, the geostationary imagery suggests that several areas across Lagos will witness very heavy downpours and sudden flooding, consistent with earlier forecasts issued this year.

Individuals without urgent outdoor activities are advised to remain indoors during the rain to assess its intensity before venturing out.

The statement reads:

“Lagos State Government on Saturday urged residents of the state especially those living in low-lying areas to be at alert because with the intensity of the rainfall already being experienced, many areas will encounter flash floods.

“In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources,Tokunbo Wahab, he warned that the forecast gathered from the State’s weather stations for today and the next few days has a geostationary imagery showing thunderstorms and widespread convective rainfall with dense cloud cover.

“He added that what the geostationary imagery means in simple language is that many areas will experience very heavy rainfalls and flash floods which the people have been alerted about earlier in the year.

“According to him all areas that are abutting the rivers and lagoons in lagos are also at risk of experiencing flash floods which may come with high currents.

“He cautioned all residents who may not have serious businesses to conduct outside their homes during the rains to tarry and wait till it subsides before they go out to be able to determine the intensity and how to prepare.

“He adviced parents to watch over their wards and school children many of whom are still on mid terms holidays so that they do not go outside to play under the rain or swim in the flash floods.

“Wahab also reiterated the earlier warning to motorists and pedestrians not to wade through floods as there is the tendency that vehicles may be submerged and people swept away with such heavy floods.

“He explained to all residents Lagos being a coastal state, with the heavy rainfalls, the level of water in the lagoon is bound to rise and will result in a tidal lock which will prevent discharge from all collectors.

“He warned residents not to engage in disposing their refuse into the drains as the rains fall, warning that there are consequences for such acts and the refuse will end up blocking the drains and causing flash floods.

“The Commissioner said all the drains in the state are being cleaned and maintained on a year round basis to be able to contain run off from rainfalls, warning however that whenever more than usual rain falls, all concerted efforts are required to checkmate its effects.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>