Be wary of heavy rains, flash flood, Lagos warns residents

Lagos State government, yesterday, warned residents of some parts of the state against heavy rainfall from August 14 to 18.        
 
Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Lekan Shodeinde, in a statement advised residents of Apapa, Badagry, EtiOsa, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Ikoyi, Lagos Island, and Ojo to prepare for very heavy rainfalls, which may induce flash flooding during the week and beyond.
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Relying on a flood alert advisory issued by the Flood Emergency Warning System (FEWS) Central Hub of the Federal Ministry of the Environment, Shodeinde urged residents of listed areas to be vigilant and watchful about rainfalls during and after the periods.
 
He also urged residents of flood plains and low areas to be ready to move upland till the cessation of rains.
 
He reiterated that people and motorists must also refrain from wading through floods especially during rainfalls as there is a propensity to be washed away by the intensity of the water.
 
The permanent secretary added that the warning has become necessary to avoid preventable loss of lives and properties that usually accompany such incidents.
 
He stressed that the state would step up the cleaning of all primary and secondary drains as it has always done and appealed to residents to also clean their tertiary drains in front of their tenements.
 
He explained that according to the Seasonal Rainfall Pattern released by the Nigerian Meteorological Services early in the year, Lagos will experience more than average rainfall, which may result into flash flooding from the month of June till September ending.
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