The Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has blamed the recurring flood crisis in parts of Lagos State on poor drainage infrastructure, blocked canals and prolonged heavy rainfall, following a fresh impact assessment of flood-hit communities in Surulere Local Government Area.
The apex government disclosed this after thorough assessments of communities affected by floods, particularly in Orile, Coker, Aguda, Itire, Ikate, and Ijesha, after days of torrential rainfall and a formal request for intervention by the lawmaker representing the area, Lanre Okunlola.
The exercise, according to the agency on Monday, was aimed at determining the extent of destruction caused by the flooding, identifying affected households and documenting the urgent humanitarian needs of residents in the impacted communities.
In a statement released after the assessment, the agency revealed that several residential buildings and business premises were submerged by floodwaters, leaving behind damaged household property, disrupted livelihoods, and restricted movement in parts of the area.
Investigators found that the flooding was largely triggered by intense rainfall, blocked drainage channels and poor maintenance of drainage infrastructure, which allowed water to accumulate and overflow into homes and commercial premises.
Residents who spoke with the assessment team lamented the losses they had suffered, appealing for immediate humanitarian support, including food items and other essential household materials.
Aside from that, they also called on the authorities to urgently improve drainage systems in the area to prevent a repeat of the disaster.
NEMA sympathised with the affected residents and assured them that its findings would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary humanitarian intervention and further action.
The agency also urged residents to support flood mitigation efforts by keeping drainage channels free of refuse, avoiding indiscriminate waste disposal, and promptly reporting emergency situations to the relevant authorities.
The latest assessment came amid growing concern over the vulnerability of several parts of Lagos to flooding, especially during periods of intense rainfall, as residents continue to grapple with the combined effects of poor drainage, environmental abuse and urban congestion.
NEMA said it remains committed to monitoring flood-prone communities and working with relevant stakeholders to reduce the impact of natural disasters on lives and property across the state.