Flash Floods Slam Lagos—but Government Vows ‘No Cause for Panic’

The Lagos State Government has urged residents to remain calm following episodes of flash flooding in some parts of the state, asserting that robust infrastructure is already in place to manage such challenges effectively.

This reassurance follows a weather advisory issued by the national meteorological agency predicting a wave of thundery and rainy conditions across the country from Wednesday through Friday. The forecast indicated that intermittent light rainfall would affect various parts of the Southwest and South-South regions, including Lagos, during both morning and evening hours.

Addressing public concerns on a live virtual session, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources attributed the recent flash flooding to the prolonged intensity of rainfall, which persisted for over 15 hours in some locations. He noted that the situation had already been mitigated through targeted drainage interventions in affected areas like Ijede.

Emphasizing that climate change is becoming a significant factor in extreme weather events, the commissioner reaffirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to climate resilience and environmental sustainability. He called on residents to engage more actively in protecting their environment by avoiding harmful practices such as indiscriminate waste disposal into drainage systems and open spaces.

Residents were also encouraged to report any environmental infractions they witness in their communities. The commissioner stressed that collective responsibility is crucial, urging citizens to support official sanitation efforts by working with private waste management operators and alerting authorities when necessary.

He extended apologies to residents whose homes and neighborhoods were impacted by the heavy downpour, specifically mentioning areas such as Agungi in Lekki and parts of Ikorodu. Acknowledging the broader global trends of urban flooding, the commissioner reiterated the need for resilient infrastructure and responsible urban planning.

Builders and property developers were advised to carry out due diligence before starting any construction and to obtain necessary drainage clearances from the relevant authorities. He maintained that urban development must align with environmental safety protocols to prevent future disasters.