(Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. Photo by FestacOnline)
Lagos State is ordering residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground.
The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency issued a seven-day flood alert that affects Lagos and 14 other states.
The most vulnerable areas in Lagos include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.
Communities along the Ogun River and other waterways need to be on high alert from September 19 to 25.
The commissioner for environment said the alert should be taken seriously.
Don’t wait for floodwaters to rise before moving.
No property is worth risking a life.
More than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states are at risk.
Rising river levels could flood vulnerable areas and affect schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.
Residents should move livestock, valuables and important possessions to safer locations.
Local governments, emergency agencies and community leaders need to activate early warning systems.
The state government is monitoring river levels and rainfall.
It will continue cleaning and maintaining drainage infrastructure across Lagos.
Residents should stop dumping refuse in drains and waterways.
Blocked channels make flooding worse and delay water from receding.
Don’t drive or walk through flooded roads.
The government treats flood forecasts as critical safety information requiring immediate action.
