Major parts of Lagos State were submerged yesterday as flood ravaged various areas. Residents of Ijede, Ikorodu, Jakande, Ajah, Okota, Lekki, Ajegunle, and others appeared in viral videos calling for help.

The flood caused gridlock in different parts of the state, with cars being submerged.Meanwhile, Lagos State Government implored residents of the state to remain calm, promising that resilient infrastructure would be put in place to combat flash flooding. 
 
The state’s Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement, said that a new weather advisory from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had warned of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms for the next three days. He, therefore, warned residents against dumping wastes in drains during the rains to avoid flash flooding.
 
Wahab mentioned that certain parts of the state might experience flash flooding due to the inability of major collectors to contain runoff from heavy rainfalls. He said that the state, as a coastal city, is vulnerable to flash flooding due to climate change and urged residents not to panic.
 
Besides, he said that with heavy rainfalls, the water level in the lagoon would rise, leading to a tidal lock preventing discharge from collectors.
The commissioner, therefore, advised residents in low-lying areas to be on alert for potential flash floods, especially those near rivers and lagoons.

Wahab, who warned children against playing outside or swimming in floodwaters during the holiday period, also advised motorists and pedestrians not to wade through floodwaters to avoid submerging of their vehicles or being swept away.
 
He said the state would do a year-round cleaning and maintenance of drainage channels, as well as awarding contracts for concrete lining to contain runoff, stressing the need for concerted efforts to mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall.