151 Houses Affected As Flood Ravages Lagos

No fewer than 151 houses were on Tuesday affected by flash floods that ravaged some communities in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The flood which submerged major roads within the communities occurred due to high volume of rainfall in the morning.

The incident caused panic among residents as some were stranded, while others had to take the risk of using alternative routes by paddling through high volumes of water.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency ( LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Fire, Police and other responders worked collaboratively to get people out of high risk areas.

Confirming the incident, the South West Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye, said: “Preliminary assessment in some communities affected by the rainfall have shown that at Oke Ishagun about 23 houses have been evacuated, at Isale Aboru 35 houses are affected, at Ikola Community 29 houses affected, at Olubodun Majiyagbe-Ajayi 15 houses affected, Makinde Street 12 houses impacted, Olokowo Street 16 houses affected and Adeola Street 21 houses affected.”

Farinloye, urged Nigerians to be cautious and imbibe the culture of disaster risk reduction strategies.

He said: “In view of today’s excessive rainfall and the Sunday’s similar event, Nigerians have been urged to notice the very strong signal of what may unfold the on-set of 2024 rainfall.

“It is important to imbibe the culture of disaster risk reduction strategies in all sphere of our societal endeavours. We must begin to adhering to safety measures against flood disasters.”

Meanwhile, NEMA’s Director General, Mustapha Ahmed, has appealed to Nigerians to clear drains.

He stated that continuous disruption of normal lives persists, with preliminary assessments showing displacement in affected communities, adding that the agency is collaborating with relevant state MDAs to address observations.

“In light of recent heavy rainfall in Lagos state, Nigerians are urged to recognize the potential consequences for the upcoming 2024 rainy season. It is crucial to embrace disaster risk reduction strategies across all aspects of society and adhere to safety measures to prevent flood disasters,” a statement quoted Ahmed as saying.

“Currently, the continuous disruption of normal lives persists, with preliminary assessments revealing displacement in affected communities. NEMA is collaborating with relevant State MDAs to address observations and findings from the recent incident, and the State has committed to comprehensive efforts for enhanced safety.

“NEMA’s Director General, Alhaji Mustapha Habib Ahmed, appeals to Nigerians to clear and desilt drainages. Community Development Associations should play a role in coordinating neighborhood activities for safer environments. Local Government Authorities are urged to enforce environmental laws against corporate organizations blocking drainages, prosecute individuals for drainage blockage and refuse dumping, ensuring societal safety.

“The Director General supports Lagos State Government’s decisive actions post the 2023 rainy season, applauding the removal of drainage-obstructing structures. He encourages other State Governments to follow Lagos State’s example in taking bold steps for a safer environment, prioritizing the well-being of Nigerians in their regions.”