The Lagos State Government in Nigeria has issued a warning to some residents of the state to prepare for flooding in the month of September.
In a statement by Lekan Shodeinde, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, the state government has highlighted that the affected catchment areas include Alagbole, Meiran, Maidan, Kara, Isheri-Olowora, Agiliti, Owode-Onirin, Owode-Elede, Agboyi I, Agboyi II, Ajegunle, Itowolo, Majidun, Ibeshe, Baiyeku, and the Lekki-Ajah axis.
Shodeinde emphasised that this alert is necessary due to the expected influx of water in September 2023, in addition to the usual heavy downpours associated with the months of September and December every year along the Ogun River Basin. This information is corroborated by predictions and warnings from Nigeria Meteorological Services (NIMET), Nigeria Hydrological Services (NIHSA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other related agencies.
The state government’s primary concern is the safety of residents and their properties. They urge residents and property owners in the mentioned areas to be prepared to relocate to higher ground when the water level indicates signs of flooding. This advice applies to all residents across the state. Shodeinde noted that the total amount of rainfall recorded from January to August 2023 (1,128.6mm) is significantly higher than that of the same period in 2021 (713.4mm) and 2022 (848.1mm).
The Permanent Secretary pointed out that in 2021, a total of 968.6mm of rainfall was recorded for the entire year, while 2022 saw a total of 1,140mm. In the first eight months of 2023, a substantial amount of 1,128.6mm of rainfall has already been recorded. This suggests that when factoring in the remaining four months of the year, the total annual rainfall is expected to be exceptionally high. Stay prepared for possible flooding.