Lagos directs evacuation from Eti-Osa, Kirikiri, other flood-prone areas

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Lagos Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab

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The Lagos State Government has directed residents in flood-prone communities to temporarily relocate to higher ground.

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The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, gave the directive in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

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The ​‌‍‍‍‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌​‌⁠‍⁠⁠‌​statement was issued by the Director, Public Affairs, Mr Kunle Adeshina.

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Wahab said the directive followed a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.

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He said the alert covered Lagos and 14 other states, warning that rising river levels could cause flooding in vulnerable communities.

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According to the alert, flooding could affect schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship in vulnerable communities.

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Wahab listed vulnerable areas in Lagos as Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B, among others.

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The commissioner urged residents in affected communities not to wait until floodwaters rise before taking action.

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“When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life,” Wahab said.

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He said the state government had intensified monitoring across riverine, low-lying and other flood-prone communities.

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Wahab urged residents to move to higher ground and remain there until the peak of the resurgent rainy season had passed.

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He said Lagos usually experienced a second phase of the rainy season from September, with increased rainfall, rising water levels and tidal influences.

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The commissioner advised residents near rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to remain vigilant.

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He also urged them to comply with official safety advisories and prepare for possible temporary relocation.

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Wahab urged communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways to exercise heightened caution.

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He said upstream rainfall and rising water levels could affect downstream communities.

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The commissioner specifically mentioned Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto and parts of Agboyi as areas requiring heightened alert.

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He said residents in those areas and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin should remain on high alert from Sept. 19 to Sept. 25.

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Wahab also advised residents in coastal and waterfront communities to monitor official flood forecasts.

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He urged them to prepare for temporary relocation when flooding became imminent.

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The commissioner called on local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents to activate early-warning and response mechanisms.

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He urged residents to move people, livestock and valuable possessions to safer locations where necessary.

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Wahab said the state government would continue monitoring river levels, rainfall patterns and other hydrological developments with relevant federal agencies.

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He added that routine cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure across the state would continue.

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Wahab urged residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, canals and waterways.

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He said blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and increase risks to communities.

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The commissioner also cautioned residents against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water.

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Wahab said the government would continue deploying measures to reduce flood risks and provide timely updates as the situation evolved.

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He urged Lagos residents to remain calm, vigilant and responsive to official flood advisories. (NAN)

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