The Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, issued a fresh flood alert to residents of some parts of the state to be wary of heavy rainfall during the week spanning August 14 to 18.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Lekan Shodeinde, in a statement on Tuesday, advised residents of Apapa, Badagry, Eti Osa, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Ikoyi, Lagos Island and Ojo to prepare for very heavy rainfalls which may result in flash flooding during the week and beyond.
“Relying on a flood alert advisory issued by the Flood Emergency Warning System Central Hub of the Federal Ministry of the Environment, Shodeinde urged all residents of listed areas to be vigilant and watchful about rainfalls during and after the periods,” the statement said.
Shodeinde also urged residents of flood plains and low-lying areas to be ready to move upland till the cessation of the rains.
He warned residents and motorists “to refrain from wading through floods, especially during rainfalls, as there is a propensity to be washed away by the intensity of the water.”
He added that the government would begin the cleaning of all primary and secondary drains and appealed to residents to also clean their tertiary drains in front of their tenements.
He added that “according to the seasonal rainfall pattern released by the Nigerian Meteorological Services early in the year, Lagos will experience more than average rainfall which may result in flash flooding from June till September ending.”