…Residents urged to stay indoors, avoid dangerous routes as tidal lock threat looms
– Officials warn parents, motorists over safety amid rising water levels
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has issued a strong advisory to residents across the state, particularly those living in flood-prone and low-lying communities, to remain on alert as meteorological data indicate the likelihood of heavy downpours and flash floods in the coming days.
In a statement on Saturday, the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Hon Tokunbo Wahab, said that weather forecasts from the state’s monitoring stations have confirmed geostationary imagery showing dense cloud cover, thunderstorms, and widespread convective rainfall across many parts of the state.
In a statement signed by Hon Tokunbo Wahab, the commissioner explained that the weather data translates to very intense rainfall capable of triggering flash floods in several areas.
He added that residents had been warned earlier in the year about this seasonal pattern and must now take precautionary measures as the forecast materialises.
He further cautioned that communities bordering rivers, lagoons, and other natural drainage channels in Lagos are particularly at risk, noting that such flash floods may occur with fast-moving water currents that could endanger lives and property.
According to the commissioner, residents without urgent business outdoors are advised to remain indoors during periods of rainfall and delay their movement until the rain subsides, in order to properly assess the conditions and minimise exposure to danger.
He also urged parents and guardians to ensure the safety of their children, especially during the ongoing mid-term holidays, warning them not to allow their wards to play in the rain or enter floodwaters, which can turn deadly in minutes.
Hon Wahab reiterated an earlier advisory to motorists and pedestrians to avoid attempting to drive or walk through flooded areas, stating that heavy currents have the capacity to submerge vehicles or sweep people away.
The commissioner highlighted that as rainfall intensifies, the water level in the Lagos lagoon will naturally rise, potentially causing a tidal lock — a situation that prevents floodwater from draining properly into the lagoon, leading to further accumulation on city roads and streets.
He strongly warned residents against the dangerous and unlawful act of dumping refuse into stormwater drains during the rains.
He explained that blocked drains are one of the major causes of urban flash floods and emphasised that defaulters would face appropriate consequences under state environmental regulations.
Hon Wahab noted that drainage systems across the state are undergoing routine cleaning and maintenance throughout the year to ensure they can handle runoff from regular rainfall.
However, he stressed that when extreme weather conditions occur, “all concerted efforts by government and citizens alike are required to mitigate the impact.”
