The Lagos State government has advised residents in low-lying areas to relocate to places of higher ground due to the rainy season.
This was announced in a statement signed by Tunji Bello, the state Commissioner for Information, in reaction to the heavy rainfall and flash flood that occurred in some parts of the state last week.
While sympathising with residents affected by the flood, Bello said the incident occurred due to the backflow of water from the lagoon.
He noted that hours after the rain stopped, the water level of the lagoon remained very high, causing the backflow that receded into several areas and allowed discharge from the various collectors.
He said: “Lagos is a coastal city, recent heavy rainfall brought about a backflow from the Lagoon which caused the flash flood experienced across the state.
“Anytime it rains for hours, and the lagoon water rises, this often prevents our channels from discharging effectively.’’
Bello advised residents to be conscious whenever it rains as the high water level in the lagoon locks up the collectors, saying the resultant prevention of easy discharge ultimately leads to backflow of water into the streets.
He also urged esidents of the state in low- lying areas to always relocate from such areas, especially during the rainy season, saying this has become imperative to avert any loss of life and properties during such heavy downpours.
Bello stated that the on-going cleaning and clearing of all drainage channels in the state also facilitated the ease with which the flash flood disappeared into the channels after last Thursday’s rainfall.
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