LAGOS PREPARES FOR ABOVE-NORMAL RAINFALL SEASON, WARNS RESIDENTS

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Lagos braces for a wet one as the state government warns residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to gear up for an above-normal rainy season.

More Rain Expected

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) predicted Lagos will experience significantly higher rainfall than usual, with a total of 1,936.2 millimeters anticipated. This surpasses the state’s long-term average of 1,721.48 millimeters. The rainy season is expected to kick off in the first week of April and conclude by the first week of December.

Flood Concerns

Areas like Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, and others situated on flood plains are at higher risk. The government is urging residents in these areas to stay vigilant and be prepared to relocate to higher ground if necessary. To proactively address potential flooding, Lagos has bolstered its Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) to deliver timely and accurate flood warnings.

Public Awareness Campaign

The government is launching a public awareness campaign to educate residents, particularly those in coastal and low-lying areas, about the potential dangers and the importance of considering relocation to higher ground if the situation demands.

Drainage Maintenance

Keeping drainage channels clear is crucial in preventing flooding. The government is emphasizing the importance of this and is asking residents to join the effort. Residents can help by regularly clearing drains in front of their properties and refraining from dumping waste in them. Officials are urging residents to report any blocked drains or instances of illegal waste dumping to the appropriate authorities.

Safe Driving During the Rainy Season

Motorists are advised to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits during the rainy season when roads may be slippery and visibility could be reduced.

Additional Risks

While flooding is the primary concern, strong winds are also expected at the beginning and end of the rainy season. These winds could pose a threat to life and property, potentially impacting businesses and causing flight delays.

Government’s Role

The Lagos State Government is taking a multi-pronged approach to prepare for the rainy season. They are:

Monitoring rainfall patterns in neighboring states, along with dam releases, to anticipate potential water surges.
Strengthening flood early warning systems.
Maintaining and clearing drainage channels.
Launching public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the risks and preventative measures.

Residents’ Role

Residents can play a significant role in mitigating flood risks by: