Lagos orders evacuation in flood-prone communities

Lagos has asked residents in flood-prone and low-lying communities to move to safer ground after a fresh seven-day flood warning from the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.

The state government said the warning affects Lagos and 14 other states, with vulnerable Lagos communities including Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state was increasing monitoring in riverine and low-lying communities. He urged residents not to wait for floodwaters to rise before leaving unsafe areas.

“No property is worth risking a life,” Wahab said, according to Punch. He advised affected residents to remain on higher ground until the peak of the renewed rainy season has passed.

The advisory also covered communities along the Ogun River and other major waterways, where heavy rainfall and rising water levels could affect downstream settlements. Wahab listed Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto and parts of Agboyi among areas that should exercise caution.

Vanguard also reported the evacuation directive, including Eti-Osa and Kirikiri among the affected areas. The directive follows a wider NiHSA seven-day flood alert for 15 states, which NaijaTrend reported here.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard