Persistent rainfall over the past two days has triggered fresh panic across Lagos, with residents fearing another round of flooding as the downpour disrupted movement, slowed business activities and left several communities on edge.
Although no casualty had been recorded since the rainfall returned, residents in flood-prone communities remained on alert, fearing that continued downpour could worsen the situation and inundate more homes and roads.
While residents of flood-prone communities shelve work to remain at homes, in other to savage their property when the water-level in their communities rise above preferred standard, others in other parts of the state, who left home for their businesses were seen stranded in different bus stops waiting endlessly for commercial vehicles.
Their wait, as learnt, was caused by flood that has taken over major roads, resulting in gridlocks that stretched many meters, while many traders recorded low patronage as the prolonged rainfall disrupted daily activities.
The renewed anxiety comes amid memories of recent flooding that submerged roads, homes and businesses in parts of the state, leaving many residents worried that another prolonged downpour could trigger similar destruction.
Concerns heightened after videos showing flooded roads and waterlogged streets in areas including Marina on Lagos Island, Apongbon and other parts of the metropolis circulated on social media, with residents calling on the Lagos State Government to intervene.
Responding to one of the posts on Tuesday, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said emergency response teams had been immediately mobilised to the affected areas.
According to him, “Following reports of flooding yesterday at Apongbon and Marina axis of Lagos Island, caused by several hours of intense rainfall, our emergency response team immediately mobilized to the area to monitor the situation and provide the necessary interventions.
“I am pleased to inform Lagosians that the stormwater has since receded, as evidenced by the image below with the timestamp. We appreciate your concern, patience, and continued cooperation.
“Together, through collective responsibility and sustained government interventions, we will continue working towards a more flood-resilient Lagos State.”
Earlier, Wahab attributed the flooding experienced in some parts of Lagos to a significant rise in the lagoon water level, explaining that the increase had impeded the effective discharge of stormwater into the lagoon and resulted in temporary flooding in affected areas.
“The flooding currently being experienced in some parts of Lagos is largely attributable to a significant rise in the lagoon water level, which has increased by approximately one metre,” he said.
“This elevated lagoon level is impeding the effective discharge of stormwater from drainage channels into the lagoon, resulting in temporary flooding in some areas. As rainfall subsides and the lagoon water level gradually recedes, the accumulated stormwater on affected roads and streets is expected to drain off.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and exercise caution, assuring them that relevant government agencies were closely monitoring the situation and implementing measures to mitigate the impact.
Despite the government’s assurances, many residents remained apprehensive as the rainfall persisted, urging authorities to intensify drainage maintenance, strengthen flood-control measures and sustain emergency response efforts to minimize the impact on lives, property and economic activities across the state.